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This text explores the Enlightenment period and the influential figures who championed the cause of humanity, fighting against superstition, fanaticism, and ignorance. Voltaire, Catherine the Great, and Diderot's ideals of knowledge, liberty, and critical thinking are highlighted. The text delves into their views on religion and the importance of open debate and examination of ideas.
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The Enlightenment To “be an advocate of humanity” Catherine the Great
Catherine the Great to Voltaire • “You have entered into combat against the enemies of mankind: superstition, fanaticism, ignorance, quibbling, evil judges, and the powers that rest in their hands. Great virtues are need to surmount these obstacles. You have shown that you have them, you have triumphed.”
Theme • “Dare to know!” • Goal of Philosophes: “give back to the arts and the sciences the liberty that is so precious and necessary to them”.
Voltaire • “Once fanaticism has corrupted a mind, the malady is almost incurable…the only remedy for this epidemic malady is the philosophical spirit”.
On Religion • “I quite understand that the fanatics of one sect slaughter the enthusiasts of another sect…but that Descartes should have been forced to flee to Holland to escape the fury of the ignorant is a nation’s eternal shame.” Voltaire
Denis Diderot • “All things must be examined, debated, investigated without exception and without regard for anyone’s feelings”.