Dbq On The Enlightenment

In the early 1700’s, philosophers and thinkers studied topics important to them and society. Philosophers met in english drawing rooms and discussed things such as government, politics, economics, and social struggles. This brought about the Age of Reason or Enlightenment Period. The Enlightenment was a time that brought thought and reason to the people in society with the help of philosophers. John Locke was one of the many philosopher of The Enlightenment who believed in natural rights and equality of man, although relate to class or position. Locke states in his writing Second Treatise on Civil Government, “(W)e must consider, what state all men are naturally in, and that is, a state of perfect freedom to order their actions, and dispose [manage] of their possessions and persons, as they think fit, within the bounds of the law of nature….” (Locke, Document A). What Locke means is that equality between classes makes for a …show more content…
Smith was a philosopher who believed that mercantilism was the best way to establish a society and make economy rise. He thought that if an individual strives to make a more profitable living, he/she is not only going to contribute to his/her own live, nut to the overall profit of society. In his work, The Wealth of Nations he writes, “By pursuing his own interest he frequently promotes that of the society more [effectively] than when he really intends to promote it…” (Smith, Document C). Smith means that if individuals make more money, then the city make money as well. He also states that, “As every individual, therefore, endeavours as much as he can both to employ his capital [money] in the support of...industry, and so to direct that industry that its produce may be of the greatest value; every individual necessarily [contributes to] the annual revenue of the society as great as he can…” (Smith, Document C). Smith believes that prosperous citizens make for a prosperous