The Age Of Enlightenment: Immanuel Kant Essay Examples

English

As per Immanuel Kant, enlightenment is defined as an Individual’s evolution from his self-attributed minority. Minority in this context is explained by Kant as the incapability to employ a person’s own knowledge level devoid supervision by others. The approach towards achieving significant enlightenment is considered as a risky process by Kant. He says that it is hard to think about enlightening oneself. Nevertheless, those people who are presently assuming the role of enlightening others regarding their thought process make this step even worst.
Kant argues that it is practical and possible for the public to get enlightened by its own will. A society with more freedom and openness to new concepts and ideas makes enlightenment even easier. The true fact is that enlightenment becomes an unavoidable factor for a society employing more freedom. In every society, we can identify people who are not influenced by perception of others. They think and perceive reality based on their personal experiences. Such people work as catalysts for public enlightenment. Once such people break away the shell of minority, they will extend to others, the feeling of a rational admiration of human cultural and enlightenment value and of his obligation to reflect for himself. It is worth mentioning to identify that the common folks which formerly used to bring beneath the repression by these individuals later on pressurize these specific patrons to stay in compliance, in case they are encouraged by any of its patrons who are virtually unable to achieve the required level of enlightenment.
Kant further explains the concept of laziness in a different perspective. As per Kant, Laziness and the feeling of cowardice are mentioned as the prime causes why enormously huge part of human race happily remain insignificant throughout their lives. In my personal experience, I have experienced laziness while delivering my day to day obligations. I used to procrastinate my day today assignments and later on I identified that it is due to sheer laziness. Laziness can be avoided by building a positive attitude and by leading an introspective lifestyle. The phrase ‘Sapere aude’ which means, ‘Dare to gain knowledge" is a philosophical approach whereby Kant urges people to gain the strength to employ their own methods for perceiving the world. Kant uses it as a slogan that leads to the goal of enlightenment. I have found this slogan as an energy packed concept that could motivate anyone who is looking for empowerment and a more fulfilled life.

Works Cited

Kant, Immanuel. "What Is Enlightenment?" What Is Enlightenment? Columbia.edu. Web. 14 Feb. 2015. <http://www.columbia.edu/acis/ets/CCREAD/etscc/kant.html>.