Character Traits of Two People From the Enlightenment
1. Select two persons from the Enlightenment with whom you identify. Tell us what characteristics they have that you think you share with them. Explain why you think they were successful in what they did, and tell us why you think you will be successful in what you are studying.
Sample Solution
John Locke
John Locke was an English philosopher who is considered one of the most important figures of the Enlightenment. He is best known for his work on political philosophy, but he also made significant contributions to the fields of epistemology, psychology, and education.
I identify with Locke because of his emphasis on reason and individualism. He believed that people are born with certain natural rights, including the right to life, liberty, and property. He also believed that people should be free to think for themselves and to question authority.
I think Locke was successful in what he did because he was able to articulate the ideas of the Enlightenment in a clear and concise way. His work was influential in the American Revolution and the French Revolution, and it continues to be relevant today.
I think I will be successful in what I am studying because I share Locke’s love of learning and his commitment to reason. I am also interested in the intersection of philosophy and technology, and I believe that the Enlightenment’s emphasis on reason and individualism is still relevant today.
Voltaire
Voltaire was a French philosopher, writer, and historian who was one of the most important figures of the Enlightenment. He was a vocal critic of religious intolerance and superstition, and he was a strong advocate for freedom of speech and thought.
I identify with Voltaire because of his wit and his sense of humor. He was able to use his writing to make a powerful impact on the world, and he never shied away from controversy.
I think Voltaire was successful in what he did because he was able to reach a wide audience with his ideas. His work was translated into many languages, and he was able to use his wit and humor to make his ideas accessible to people of all backgrounds.
I think I will be successful in what I am studying because I share Voltaire’s love of learning and his commitment to using my knowledge to make a difference in the world. I am also interested in the intersection of philosophy and technology, and I believe that Voltaire’s ideas are still relevant today.
In addition to Locke and Voltaire, there are many other Enlightenment thinkers with whom I identify. These include:
- Mary Wollstonecraft: An English writer and philosopher who is considered one of the first feminists. She wrote the book “A Vindication of the Rights of Woman,” which argued for the equality of women.
- Thomas Jefferson: An American statesman who was the third president of the United States. He was a strong advocate for democracy and individual rights.
- Benjamin Franklin: An American statesman, scientist, and inventor. He was a key figure in the American Revolution and the founding of the United States.
- Denis Diderot: A French philosopher and writer who was the editor of the Encyclopédie, a massive encyclopedia that was one of the most important works of the Enlightenment.
I believe that the Enlightenment thinkers have a lot to teach us today. Their ideas about reason, individualism, and freedom are still relevant, and they can help us to create a better world.