Dbq Essay On Enlightenment

While influenced by others the human race is individually minded, and has been able to obtain much knowledge at a substantial rate because of enlightenment. Throughout history man was able to shape the face of the earth by controlling others, but until the age of enlightenment man was not fully aware of the accomplishments he could achieve. In this period the ideals of society having a voice, changed history through bringing light to the genius and talent of not one but the vast majority of the world. To challenge one’s self-worth enlightenment must be achieved through leaving a cowardly stage to become mature. Presently, the enlightenment ideals have given many people around the globe a chance at a free life through natural rights and tolerance,

Prior to this age, intellectual ability was not tested adequately, if it was really challenged at all. Today human beings are able to make something of their self no matter their social class, hard work can help anyone achieve what they want. Shown in this idea enlightenment changed the world, “Through laziness and cowardice a large part of mankind, even after nature has freed them from alien guidance, gladly remain immature” (Document A). In this excerpt it explains not only how if humans would just grow the courage to stand up and become mature, everyone would be enlightened. Immanuel Kant preached these ideals to the world, and they continue to prosper throughout today. This idea alone shaped modern society in such a drastic way that we have been forever changed by it. The sayings form your own opinions or, think for yourself are used in everyday life, and are actually directly taken from the enlightenment ideals. “We are all full of weakness and errors; let us mutually pardon our follies” (Document D), society will slip up sometimes but forgiveness is an important attribute in today’s world because in order to individually be strong, we must learn to be strong together. This quote translates into today’s society because it shows how forgiveness isn’t for the other person it’s for yourself. These ideals can be perceived in many other ways which will show how society

Locke helped shape the United States government and many other nations governing systems around the world. Locke believed all men were born with the rights of life or your natural rights of liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and a government should protect and respect the rights of individuals. Under the protection of your government he believed “whom the society hath set over itself, with this express or tacit trust, that it shall be employed for their good, and the preservation of their property: now this power, which every man has in the state of nature, and which he parts with to the society in all such cases where the society can secure him, is to use such means, for the preserving of his own property, as he thinks good, and nature allows him; and to punish the breach of the law of nature in other” (Document C). By introducing natural rights the common people gained more power through an equality between all men. Natural rights gave people the right to possess and protect their own property both physical items and personal ideals. Natural rights changed many viewpoints on class order and social rights because it took power away from kings and nobles and gave power to the individual. Today our country’s men and women would not be able to speak their mind or buy land without the consent of their government or church.