Take a Step Back

Following the Reformation, people started to pick up the pieces of their faith and understanding and start putting things back together. Now that they were free to think and act as they pleased (to a certain extent) people started forming new belief systems based on the rapidly progressing scientific discoveries and radical political views. Those who already had shaken faith started to wonder if religion was even necessary. All these conflicting views—while bringing about a lot of good changes in the world—caused just as much contention. 

I think that during the Age of Reason social dynamics began to change. Because people could think for themselves, they didn't have to rely on what anyone else thought or said; they could form their own opinions. With so many new advances and discoveries in science, politics, philosophy, etc. there began to be a larger divide between the different schools of thought. Everyone began to form their own opinions which caused a rift in the societies. Thomas Paine, a revered writer and "thinker," was even thrown in jail for a time while in France for his beliefs.

Today at the office where I work, I overhead two of my coworkers discussing politics. Interested, I went into the office and listened to what they each had to say. The discussion ended with, "no more discussing politics." While the Age of Reason was absolutely crucial to the progression of society, there are negative side effects that have only gotten worse. With so many different views, it's hard to remember that in the end, most everyone is trying to achieve the same thing: truth and happiness.

Image credit: Éléments de la philosophie de Newton of 1738 (public domain images via Wikimedia Commons)