— Anonymous
I read the text “What is Enlightenment” by Immanuel Kant in the school library at the beginning of the semester. In my opinion, what makes a great literature is that it should have a theme and it should explain the relevance of the theme. The excerpt from Immanuel Kant has an essential theme about the complexity of being human. Kant focuses on how enlightenment makes it possible for human beings to use their own intellect. In the beginning of his essay, Immanuel Kant describes that enlightenment is man’s setting free from his “self-incurred tutelage.” He addresses that “tutelage” is people’s inability to use his own reasoning and wisdom without the guardianship of other people. According to Immanuel Kant, “Self-incurred is this tutelage when its cause lies not in lack of reason but in lack of resolution and courage to use it without direction from another.” (Kant, p.1) The majority of people follows the guardianship of society. It is difficult for them to have the courage to think of themselves and throw off the rules and authorities society imposed on them without relying on someone else’s help. Besides, individuals do not dare to use logical reasoning because of the characteristics of “laziness” and “cowardice.” Human beings are unable to become mental mature due to the lack of courage. I find it is related to my personal experiences and values because I am an atheist, neither my family nor I believe in God. In addition, I believe in the powers of logical reasoning and people should have the freedom to be his or her own guidance as well. Immanuel Kant provides reasons why it is not easy for people to make attempts toward maturity. He says, “It is so easy not to be of age. If I have a book which understands for me, a pastor who has a conscience for me, a physician who decides my diet, and so forth, I need not trouble myself. I need not think, if I can only pay – others will easily undertake the irksome work for me.” (Kant, p.1) Instead of following institutional guidance, human beings must be able to be their own guidance. I agree that the use of reason and the freedom of thought should be allowed. Human would achieve enlightenment if they could rid themselves of intellectual guardianship. As explained by Immanuel Kant: “The propensity and vocation to free thinking-this gradually works back upon the character of the people, who thereby gradually become capable of managing freedom; finally, it affects the principles of government, which finds it to its advantage to treat men, who are now more than machines, in accordance with their dignity.” (Kant, p.5-6) Kant’s suggests that when people throw off their immaturity and become independent to use reason, the society will become better. Immanuel Kant’s philosophy about enlightenment still matters today since the problems of religion could cause conflicts in the world. This text challenges me in its classical style and its complex structure. In addition, some words are difficult for me to understand.
