The European Enlightenment, which occurred in the 18th century brought forth an age of profound reason and thinkers who challenged norms. New points that were previously dismissed were popularized as individuals sought to bring about historic changes. Some of those individuals included, Hume, Rousseau, and Abigail Adams, who respectively fought for freedom from religious power, freedom from a monarchical government, and freedom for women. Through their writings we are able to understand that the most esteemed virtue which individualistic thinkers fought for was freedom. David Hume’s On Miracles portrays his belief that individuals should develop reason beyond the scope of the church. As a brilliant philosopher, Hume argues against the common
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As President John Adams was working on writing the Declaration of Independence, Abigail Adams persists in reminding him to include rights concerning women within this monumental document. Abigail Adams urges her husband to limit the power given to men, especially to husbands during that time. She believes that all men are tyrants and that women do not deserve to be under their control. Abigail Adams also believes that women should not be treated as lesser beings. She even warns her husband about a rebellion from women that could arise if they are not treated equally. In response, John Adams seems to mock his wife’s ideas and statements. He said that he cannot help but “laugh” at the notion that masculine systems can be repealed, and undermines the importance of women’s rights. He explains that he is not surprised that children, Native Americans, and slaves are causing trouble, but is incredulous towards the suggestion that women are willing to rebel against a male-dominated society. John Adam’s response may seem cruel, but the norm in the mid- 1700s was that men are superior to women. Abigail Adams asserts her wish to change this societal norm. In her second letter to John Adams, Abigail Adams reiterates the point that women can and will overthrow the tyranny of men and will no longer tolerate unfair treatment. Abigail Adams depicts the importance of freedom towards women and does not recede her argument, even after her husband attempts to diminish her
As President John Adams was working on writing the Declaration of Independence, Abigail Adams persists in reminding him to include rights concerning women within this monumental document. Abigail Adams urges her husband to limit the power given to men, especially to husbands during that time. She believes that all men are tyrants and that women do not deserve to be under their control. Abigail Adams also believes that women should not be treated as lesser beings. She even warns her husband about a rebellion from women that could arise if they are not treated equally. In response, John Adams seems to mock his wife’s ideas and statements. He said that he cannot help but “laugh” at the notion that masculine systems can be repealed, and undermines the importance of women’s rights. He explains that he is not surprised that children, Native Americans, and slaves are causing trouble, but is incredulous towards the suggestion that women are willing to rebel against a male-dominated society. John Adam’s response may seem cruel, but the norm in the mid- 1700s was that men are superior to women. Abigail Adams asserts her wish to change this societal norm. In her second letter to John Adams, Abigail Adams reiterates the point that women can and will overthrow the tyranny of men and will no longer tolerate unfair treatment. Abigail Adams depicts the importance of freedom towards women and does not recede her argument, even after her husband attempts to diminish her