Voltaire's Ideas During The Age Of Enlightenment

During a historical movement in the 17th and 18th century, advances in contrasting concepts such as social science, economics, and reason, would leave an everlasting mark on the world. This movement was known as the Age of Enlightenment or the Age of Reason. Many exceptionally intellectual individuals involved in the movement were known as philosophes, or philosophers. Their profound discussions on various matters on understanding and improving society lead to the capitalistic, democratic world we live in. Furthermore, many philosophes brought about new perspectives by applying their reasoning and logic towards social questions. One of the most influential philosophers of the enlightenment more often than not was known as John Locke. Locke
Voltaire was a prominent figure during this time, therefore, his ideas of freedom of religion and separation of church and state was a popular subject and, however, still is in modern society. In Voltaire's, “Letters concerning the english nation”, Voltaire states that, “If one religion only were allowed in England, the government would very possibly become arbitrary; if there were but two, the people would cut one another's throats; but as there are such a multitude, they all live happy and in peace.” The Compelling evidence displayed above, clarifies Voltaire's main idea. Voltaire's main idea is simply, the essence that the people are forced to coexist and are compelled to tolerate one another. In effect, the society will fully live in peace and
Adam Smith is widely known for laying the basis of capitalism and much of modern economics. In,The Wealth of Nations, by Adam Smith, Smith states that, “ He neither intends to promote the public interest, nor knows how much he is promoting it...he intends only his own gain, and he is in this... led by an invisible hand to promote an end which was no part of his intention...By pursuing his own interests he frequently promotes that the society more that when he really intends to promote it.” As shown above, Smith's main idea during the enlightenment was if an individual improves their own economic gain the society would improve tremendously, therefore making it a beneficial matter. Also Smith believes if every citizen is always pursuing to expand their self-interests, that in a free-market no order would be necessary. The, “invisible hand” would ensure participants to trade in the best way possible, guiding them in favorable ways. Overall, Adam Smith believed the government should not interfere with free-market