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What are the different myths and symbols associated with Enlightenment?

Colette Kilmary

Hey fellow enlightenment enthusiasts! Have you ever wondered about the different myths and symbols associated with this fascinating period in history? Well, buckle up because we're about to go on a wild ride through some of the most interesting tales of the Enlightenment era!

First off, let's talk about the quintessential symbol of the Enlightenment...the lightbulb! Okay, so maybe it wasn't actually invented until much later, but the idea of a lightbulb going off in someone's head to symbolize a moment of clarity or inspiration was definitely a common theme. Think about all those portraits of Enlightenment thinkers with light shining down on them from the heavens. Or how about the iconic image of Zeus holding a lightning bolt, which was often used to represent the power of reason and knowledge over superstition and ignorance.

Now, let's dive into some of the more bizarre myths and symbols associated with the Enlightenment. One of my personal favorites is the legend of the "Philosophers' Stone". No, this isn't just a Harry Potter reference (although J.K. Rowling definitely took some inspiration from this myth). The Philosophers' Stone was a mythical substance that was believed to have the power to turn base metals into gold and grant eternal life. Many Enlightenment-era alchemists spent their entire lives trying to discover this elusive stone, but unfortunately, it was never found.

Another interesting myth is that of the "noble savage". This idea, which was popularized by Enlightenment thinkers like Jean-Jacques Rousseau, proposed that humans were inherently good and that society corrupts us over time. The "noble savage" was seen as a primitive, uncorrupted individual who lived in harmony with nature. However, as we now know, this idea was pretty flawed to say the least. It romanticized indigenous cultures and ignored the complex social systems that existed within them.

So there you have it, folks! A quick rundown of some of the different myths and symbols associated with the Enlightenment. Of course, there are countless other stories and legends that we could explore, but I hope this was enough to whet your appetite. The Enlightenment was a truly fascinating time in history, full of brilliant minds and groundbreaking ideas. Who knows, maybe one day we'll discover our own Philosophers' Stone and revolutionize the world!