Hi everyone, my name is Karen Yeung. I’m a freshman and will probably major in accounting.

Kant believes that enlightenment is when one rises up and comes out from his own “immaturity” that they have caused. He defines “immaturity” as the incapability of using one’s own brain to think for themselves without the help and acknowledgement of others. I believe that Kant is trying to say that enlightenment is attained when one is able to think on their own without being afraid to voice their thoughts. In order to achieve complete enlightenment, one should have full control and freedom over their own opinions without being influenced by people with authority, or institutions and society as a whole.

One of the main reasons Kant thinks enlightenment is difficult to achieve is because people do not take initiative, where he describes it as “laziness and cowardice.” When there are others who are willing to step in and guide them, “it is so convenient to be immature!” The dependence on others that will think for them is what Kant mentions as “immaturity.” For example, it is easier to follow the majority because it is what most people think or agree on. One does not have to form their own thoughts if they can simply get away with following what everyone else says. As well as laziness, cowardice plays a role in why enlightenment is hard to achieve. Kant uses the analogy of the domesticated animals to prove his point. If one is accustomed to having others guide them, they are not exposed to thinking for themselves. Consequently, thinking on their own and using reason would be unfamiliar to them because they are afraid of the unknown, and that “usually frightens them off from further attempts.”

Based on Kant’s definition, I think that we do live in an enlightened age, but not completely. Even though some people rely on others and follow the norm, many people still think for themselves. I think social media allows people to voice their opinions and say whatever they want.