Enlighten Me

When I think of the term enlightenment, I think of a bunch of wannabe fancy dude with deep & profound thoughts. Granted, that may be the more cynical way to look at it. It was genuinely a time of wisdom as people began to focus on reason over religion. Without thinkers such as Locke, Newton, and Voltaire, people would have continued with their devout religious practices/beliefs for years.  

The first thing I remember paying attention to from the enlightenment era is Candide by Voltaire. I know it was a key movement in the 17th-18th centuries, but I tend not to think of it in terms of today, which is unfortunate because it relates to the present rather well.

For example:

1. States are able to make decisions separate from religion.
1. This offers executive decisions to be made in a secular, unbiased way that respects any and all beliefs.
2. Individuals have the right to think/believe for themselves. Ourselves.
1. We no longer have to follow such a traditional stance on anything. We are allowed to have our own opinions and act on them.
3. Rebellion/ Protest is taken seriously and done effectively.
1. Many of the people who stood up for reason in a time of such tradition did so knowing that it was not the social norm. Even today people are standing up for what they believe should become accepted as the norm. It may still be uncomfortable, but it had to start somewhere. And now, it is more accepted and listened to than ever.
2. Specifically, LGBT+. The progress made in support for this group over the past few years has been significant. It has taken a stance against religious-based bias and aims for more secular acceptance. Next step/continuing step - within religion.

(More examples found here)

The list goes on with examples/questions for enlightenment thinkers: Is there a more effective way to teach classes? Should schools be test-oriented? Should we get rid of zoos/aquariums? Is (insert whatever you’d like here) morally acceptable?

The difference is, rather than a select few deciding how to alter what we’ve accepted as the norm due to tradition, its everyday people who are actively looking to make a change.

It’s no longer fancy sciency guys, but anyone who sees something worth changing/accepting/fixing/adding.

If you have time and would like more information on the importance of enlightenment, this video is rather enlightening.