ELI5: enlightenment

What is the Enlightenment?

The Enlightenment was a big change in how people thought about the world, happening mostly in Europe from the 1600s to 1700s [2][3]. Instead of just believing what kings and churches told them, people started using their brains to figure things out for themselves [2].

Why did people start thinking differently?

Scientists were discovering new things about nature and how the world actually works, which made people question old ideas [2]. People realized they could use reason and logic to understand God, nature, and how to live better lives [2].

What big ideas came from it?

The Enlightenment brought really important ideas like everyone should have freedom, the right to vote for their leaders, fair laws for everyone, and the ability to believe what they want about religion [1]. These ideas are the foundation of modern democracies [1].

How did it change the world?

These new ideas about freedom and using your brain to think critically spread everywhere and helped inspire revolutions where people demanded these rights [1][3]. Today's governments still use many of these Enlightenment ideas [1].