Enlightenment
The Age of Enlightenment, also known as the Age of Reason, was a period in history that spanned from the mid-17th century to the late 18th century. It is best known for its intellectual and philosophical developments that sought to challenge traditional notions of authority and advance scientific knowledge. During this time, many leading thinkers such as John Locke and Voltaire began exploring ideas about natural rights, individual liberty, democracy, and religious tolerance—all concepts we take for granted today. These ideals were revolutionary at the time because they contradicted centuries-old systems based on feudalism or absolute monarchy.
The Enlightenment had an enormous impact on society across Europe. It brought with it new ways of thinking that helped shape our modern world. People started questioning traditional forms of authority and demanding more freedom in their lives; countries began forming constitutions that established basic human rights; science flourished through increased experimentation; education became available to people outside the upper classes due to advances in printing technology; art styles changed drastically from classical realism to romanticism and neoclassicism; literature moved away from didactic works towards stories focused on emotion rather than morality lessons. All these changes would not have been possible without the breakthroughs made during this era by some truly remarkable minds.