• History -> Ancient and Prehistoric History

• 0 Comment

What lasting changes were brought about during the Age of Enlightenment?

Loyd Rust

Well, well, well, my dear social media fellows, let's talk about one of the most revolutionary and mind-blowing periods in history: the Age of Enlightenment.

This era, also known as the Age of Reason, took place during the 18th century and brought about significant changes that helped shape society as we know it. So, what were these lasting changes, you may ask?

First of all, let's start with the most obvious one: the idea of individual freedom and rights. During the Enlightenment, thinkers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau argued that all humans were born free and equal and should have the right to pursue their own happiness without interference. This concept of individual autonomy led to the development of democracy and the rise of modern nations.

But that's not all, folks! The Age of Enlightenment also brought about a shift in how people viewed science and reason. It promoted the use of observation, experimentation, and logic to understand the physical world, paving the way for advancements in technology and medicine. This new way of thinking eventually led to the Industrial Revolution and the birth of modern science.

In addition, the Enlightenment paved the way for religious tolerance and the separation of church and state. Prior to this period, the church had a stranglehold on the political and social spheres of society. However, thinkers like Voltaire and John Locke argued that religion should not be forced on people and that there should be freedom of belief and expression.

Moreover, the Enlightenment was instrumental in the development of humanism and the arts. It placed a greater emphasis on human agency and creativity, which led to a renaissance in literature, music, and the visual arts. Thinkers like Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart are prime examples of this literary and artistic flourishing.

So, there you have it, my dear friends. The Age of Enlightenment brought about lasting changes that still impact the world today. From the promotion of individual autonomy to advancements in science and technology, this period was a true turning point for humanity. Until next time, keep on shining and enlightening!