Kant is very inspiring in his call for our "emergence from [our] self-imposed nonage." He believes that those who stay stagnant and never create their own ideas or opinions are lazy and cowardly. This makes me think of my high school, where everyone accepted what their parents told them about political beliefs or religious beliefs were automatically true just because their parents told them that it was so. They never questioned anything around them or formed their own opinions because they chose to remain stagnant and take what information their parents had given them. I, however, have always been the person to make my own mind up about things and form my own thoughts and beliefs after hearing as many sides of a topic as I possibly can. I agree with Kant when he says that we should all question our governments and share our opinions on what we think is wrong with our leaders or what we think of religion. Enlightenment is becoming knowledgeable on our own terms, and without the influence of people who would rather we sit back and accept the information they give us.
I commented on Francesca's post.
I think it's important to note however that Kant does specifically imply that we question government and religion for the sake of bettering it, not purely for the sake of questioning.
ReplyDeleteI was also reminded of high school and being surrounded by students who mindlessly agreed with whatever the teacher said. But I just want to point out, Mant encourages arguing and discussing in order for us to grow which means not just talking about the bad but also how we can grow and improve.
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