Enlightenment facts for kids

Enlightenment is a big word that can mean different things depending on who is using it. It often talks about gaining special knowledge or understanding. It can be about a sudden moment of clarity, a long journey of learning, or even a famous time in history when people started thinking differently about the world.

What Does Enlightenment Mean?

The word "enlightenment" can refer to a few different ideas. It often means a moment when someone suddenly understands something very clearly. Think of it like a light bulb turning on in your mind! It can also describe a time when a whole group of people or a society starts to think in new, more logical ways.

Enlightenment in Philosophy and Psychology

In philosophy, enlightenment can mean reaching a deep understanding about life and the world. It's about seeing things as they truly are, often after a lot of thought and study. For example, a philosopher might spend years thinking about what makes people happy, hoping to reach an "enlightened" view.

In psychology, it can refer to a state of mind where someone feels very clear, calm, and aware. It's like having your mind completely open and free from confusion or worries. This state can help people feel more peaceful and connected to others.

Enlightenment in Religion

Many religions talk about a kind of enlightenment. It's often seen as reaching a higher spiritual state or understanding.

Buddhism: Nirvana

In Buddhism, the main goal is to reach Nirvana. This is a state of perfect peace and freedom from suffering. It's not a place, but a way of being. Buddhists believe that by following certain paths, like meditation and living kindly, they can achieve Nirvana. This means letting go of desires and understanding the true nature of reality.

Hinduism: Moksha

In Hinduism, a similar idea is called Moksha. Moksha means being freed from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. It's about realizing your true self and connecting with the ultimate truth of the universe. Hindus believe that through good actions, devotion, and knowledge, a person can achieve Moksha and find lasting peace.

The Age of Enlightenment

One of the most famous meanings of "Enlightenment" is a historical period called the Age of Enlightenment. This was a very important time in Europe, mainly during the 17th and 18th centuries (from the late 1600s to the late 1700s).

What Was the Age of Enlightenment?

During this time, thinkers and writers started to question old ideas about government, religion, and society. They believed that reason (using logic and thinking) was the best way to understand the world. They wanted to use science and logic to improve human life.

Key Ideas and Thinkers

Many famous thinkers were part of the Age of Enlightenment. They wrote books and shared ideas about:

• Freedom: People should have more freedom to think and speak for themselves.
• Equality: Everyone should be treated fairly, no matter their background.
• Democracy: Governments should be chosen by the people, not just by kings or queens.
• Science: Using scientific methods to discover how the world works.

Some important figures include:

• John Locke (England): He believed people have natural rights, like the right to life, liberty, and property.
• Voltaire (France): He strongly supported freedom of speech and religion.
• Jean-Jacques Rousseau (France): He wrote about the idea that governments should serve the "general will" of the people.
• Isaac Newton (England): His scientific discoveries showed how the universe followed logical laws, inspiring others to apply reason to society.

Impact on the World

The ideas from the Age of Enlightenment had a huge impact. They helped inspire major changes, like the American Revolution and the French Revolution. These revolutions fought for freedom, equality, and new forms of government based on the will of the people. Many of the ideas we have today about human rights, democracy, and science come from this period.