What is Enlightment by Immanuel Kant

Man is seemingly unable to use his or her own understanding without the guidance of others, this is seen as immaturity which has been imposed by man upon himself or herself; because man does not have the courage to use his own understanding, the reason does not lie in a lack of understanding but rather a lack of effort to use his own understanding. Laziness and cowardice hinder the process of receiving guidance, it is easier to have things done for you rather than making an effort to do them yourself, this leads to man being in a comfortable position of lifelong immaturity. There seems to be no reason for me to do things when I can get them done by someone else.

The guardians have managed to scare people from attempting to take a step towards maturity; the possibility of failing has frightened people so much that they do not understand that one can learn to walk only after falling. These fears and the comforts of not making an effort have become an intrinsic part of a man’s nature hence only a few people dare to break away from the shackles and dare to free themselves from immaturity. However, it is important for the public to enlighten itself and they can achieve this slowly. Revolutions can not reform a manner of thinking. Freedom is essential to achieve this enlightenment; people should be free to question. The public use of freedom should be free, example that of a scholar, however, the private use of reason can be narrowly restricted, for example a person in a civic job obeying the government. A scholar, on the other hand, should be free to question and criticize the world. His work can not be bound by restrictions.

People should also be free to develop their own reason behind religion in order to substantiate it rather than just believing in the words of a guardian. A contract intended to preclude human enlightenment forever should be null and void; this should be regarded as a crime, to renounce enlightenment for him or more importantly for subsequent generations, is to violate and trample man’s divine rights underfoot. A monarch should allow freedom for the people to think and question rather than despoiling his authority by supporting the spiritual despotism of some tyrants in his state over his other subjects.

We do not live in an enlightened age but rather an age of enlightenment, man should have the courage to apply understanding to issues, including religious ones to free them from the self imposed immaturity. A ruler should allow freedom in religious matters, to be tolerant towards this freedom and showcase his own enlightenment whilst also providing an opportunity for people to be released from immaturity, which is disgraceful for all us, humans. People should be allowed the freedom to use reason publicly. A rule should be enlightened himself to allow this freedom. A greater degree of civil freedom will be an advantage to people’s spiritual freedom. Governments should be forced by thinking abilities to regard people as more than machines, they should be treated as humans with dignity.