The enlightenment in  Europe developed  in seventeenth century then  leadinto the Americas. The initial purpose of the enlightenment was to make citizens more aware of themselves as individuals. The begging of the chapter keeps referring to the ” ancients” and “moderns”. The “ancients” were the citizens who stuck on old values ,while the “moderns” followed a new set of ideas expanding their horizons. The enlighteners worlds view was to question society, search for answers in nature and to use the knowledge they gain to advance humanity. The philosopher Kant believed man was to ” make use of his understanding without direction from another”( Kant 105). Kant wanted humans to make decisions through reason and what they as person thought was right; without the influence of others. In addition, Kant did not believe in religion guiding society and thinking. Kant stated, “religious incompetence is not only the most harmful but the degrading of all”(Kant 109). Kant believed that region was not a reasonable way to guide ones life because it was guiding your morality through someone else’s influence and what ” God” deemed to be morally correct not ones self.

My initial thought is that enlighteners meant well in starting their movement but towards the end of the movement they embodied the same monarchy believes they once fought against. The reason that I say that enlighteners changed is because when they started exploring other lands beyond Europe they forced their ideas and beliefs to other cultures who already had their own set of values. By forcing their ideas they contradicted  the idea that individuals come up with their own ideas and own moral compass. I don’t believe in most of the ideas of the elighqment, However the idea that questioning and searching for new ideas and expanding your knowledge of the world is very valuable in advancing the world.  Ina addition discussing and talking in a press space like the conventions they had is very valuable in moving humanity forward.