Question

How do you see ideas of the Enlightenment evident in our society today? Be sure to give specific examples from Enlightenment thinkers.

Answer 1

The ideas of the enlightenment evident in our society today because-

The ideas of the enlightenment helps in equanimity which brings about the ability to naturally tide over emotional fluctuations.

Provides clarity and the absence of doubt or confusion.

Creates high self respect and self esteem but with humility.

Helps in constant growth.

Provides courage to face any situation without fear.

Helps in the ability to choose happiness during any circumstances.

Provides skill and dexterity in action..or excellence in action.

Provides persistence and perseverance to the chosen path even in the presence of opposition, resistance or challenges.

It helps a person who has attained this spiritual goal is free in the truest sense of the word is able to be oneself and realize one's potential to the best one can.

Examples from enlightenment thinkers are-

1.Benjamin Franklin

He was author, printer, scientist and statesman who led America through a deafening period of colonial politics a revolutionary war and its momentous though no less precarious founding as a nation.

In his autobiography he extolled the virtues of thrift, industry and money making.

He strongly believed that the free trade and a cosmopolitan spirit serve as faithful guides for nation states to cultivate peaceful relations.

In his autobiography he stated that the way to moral perfection is to cultivate thirteen virtues such as temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, tranquility, chastity, and humility as well as a healthy dose of cheerful prudence.

2.Jefferson

He was a statesman, scientist and diplomat.

He was best known for drafting the Declaration of Independence.

Agreeing wit Franklin, he substituted pursuit of happiness for property in Locke’s schedule of natural rights, so that liberty to pursue the widest possible human ends could be accommodated.

The panel four of the Jefferson Memorial records how Thomas Jefferson viewed constitutions- “I am not an advocate for frequent changes in laws and constitutions, but laws and institutions should go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind.

To become more developed and more enlightened as new discoveries are made, new truths discovered and manners and opinions change, with the change of circumstances, institutions must advance also to keep pace with the times.

His words capture the spirit of organic constitutionalism, the idea that constitutions are living documents that transform over time in pace with popular thought, imagination and opinion.

3.Madison

He was one of the most influential architects of the U.S. Constitution, a man of letters, a politician, a scientist and a diplomat who left an enduring legacy on American philosophical thought.

His tireless advocate for the ratification of the Constitution, Madison advanced his most ground breaking ideas in his jointly authoring The Federalist Papers with John Jay and Alexander Hamilton.

4.Swami Vivekananda (India)

He has influenced young minds to walk on the path of enlightenment for more than a centennial.

Stretching his wings of spirituality out to the world, he started a revolution which still resonates among millions of his followers.

He was Born on January 12, 1863, Vivekananda’s teachings continues to be a powerhouse of knowledge.

From young age, he took delight in various subjects, including religion, philosophy, art, literature and social sciences. He was also drawn towards the sacred books of the Hindu religion.

He spelt out the four pathways of attaining moksha from the worldly pleasure and attachment in his books — Raja-yoga, Karma-yoga, Jnana-yoga and Bhakti-yoga.

Karma-yoga or the yoga of selfless action tells that through the correct actions, the troublemaker ego can turn into the troubleshooter ego. It says that even if you do not believe in God, just focus on your work with utmost honesty, dedication and power of your mind.

hakti-yoga is the process of inner purification. Love is the vital element for all human beings, it teaches. Love is pure and cosmic, but ego pollutes it and gives out negative elements like lust, greed, jealousy and anger.

Raja-yoga seeks to attain the divine by igniting the flame of knowledge of the self within. Most seekers do not have the patience and perseverance to follow this path for the sacrifices that it calls for.

Jnana-yoga is the path of knowledge. Weeding out the darkness of ignorance through the light of knowledge, it brings the ‘fire’ and ‘light’ alive by burning all the impurities of the mind.