The enlightenment period in Europe was characterized by its emphasis on the scientific method and reductionism along with the belief that reason is the primary source of authority and legitimacy. (Often, a broad examination of ethics, politics, and society are seen established in the artistic works.
Many beliefs of the enlightenment were based on questioning the legitimacy of ideas or values. One of the aspects of enlightenment that sets it apart from its predecessor the renaissance was the active mindset of the people to speak out against previous values or ideas. As Jonathan Swift once said “Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others.” (Swift). Externalizing a mindset like this led to the industrialization, invention, and reform …show more content…
Following the protestant reformation the catholic church had a series of internal fights over the future of Christianity, these fights were known as the 30 years war. The 3 years war was a devilish war that in the end left the church in ruins. In order to sustain power over the people, absolute monarchs would step up where religion had left holes in the power structure. These absolute monarchs would declare their own divine right to kingship, declaring themselves the direct subordinates of god. As the renaissance declined the enlightenment state of mind began to spread, people began to move away from the churches ideals, not because of conflict in belief but because it simply wasn’t doing what it had promised. As Jonathan Swift once said “we have enough religion to make us hate, but not enough to make us love one another”(swift). To many, the change in religious power had left them confused or angry, however the politicians who had taken the reigns of the Catholic church thrived and began their harsh rule over Europe. Soon enough the people of Europe began to fight back against the politicians who had come to power. The general distrust of religion and hatred towards politicians combined to dawn a massive movement of enlightenment as well as a whole new set of social issues and beliefs, such as deism or humanism. Many people began to preach reason and scientific explanation over religion and spirituality. This is summed up well by a quote by Voltaire, ”judge a man by his questions rather than his answers”(Voltaire). This quote really seems to define the value of knowledge and curiosity at the time. It also leaves room for interpretations such as the question of whether or not the man giving answers represents the preachers giving the word of god, or if the man asking questions
Many beliefs of the enlightenment were based on questioning the legitimacy of ideas or values. One of the aspects of enlightenment that sets it apart from its predecessor the renaissance was the active mindset of the people to speak out against previous values or ideas. As Jonathan Swift once said “Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others.” (Swift). Externalizing a mindset like this led to the industrialization, invention, and reform …show more content…
Following the protestant reformation the catholic church had a series of internal fights over the future of Christianity, these fights were known as the 30 years war. The 3 years war was a devilish war that in the end left the church in ruins. In order to sustain power over the people, absolute monarchs would step up where religion had left holes in the power structure. These absolute monarchs would declare their own divine right to kingship, declaring themselves the direct subordinates of god. As the renaissance declined the enlightenment state of mind began to spread, people began to move away from the churches ideals, not because of conflict in belief but because it simply wasn’t doing what it had promised. As Jonathan Swift once said “we have enough religion to make us hate, but not enough to make us love one another”(swift). To many, the change in religious power had left them confused or angry, however the politicians who had taken the reigns of the Catholic church thrived and began their harsh rule over Europe. Soon enough the people of Europe began to fight back against the politicians who had come to power. The general distrust of religion and hatred towards politicians combined to dawn a massive movement of enlightenment as well as a whole new set of social issues and beliefs, such as deism or humanism. Many people began to preach reason and scientific explanation over religion and spirituality. This is summed up well by a quote by Voltaire, ”judge a man by his questions rather than his answers”(Voltaire). This quote really seems to define the value of knowledge and curiosity at the time. It also leaves room for interpretations such as the question of whether or not the man giving answers represents the preachers giving the word of god, or if the man asking questions