The visionary philosophes boldly asserted that humanity possesses the power to elevate both itself and society. They envisioned the state as a potential catalyst for this progression. Their critique of the current government stemmed from its stubborn refusal to relinquish power or resources, thwarting the people's ability to shape their own destinies. Though they mourned the societal state of France at the time, the philosophes held steadfast in their belief in the populace's capacity to achieve happiness and enhance their living conditions. Armed with the dual weapons of science and reason, they launched a formidable assault on entrenched Christian tradition and dogma, condemning religious persecution and fervently advocating for religious tolerance.

The Power of Intellect and the Rejection of Authority

At the heart of the Enlightenment's intellectual supremacy lay a rebellion against traditional authority, particularly the church and the ruling elites. The philosophes argued that individuals need not rely on these powers for their physical, spiritual, or intellectual sustenance. Instead, through the exercise of intellect and a commitment to moral integrity, people could transform their realities for the better. This revolutionary idea resonates throughout Rousseau’s The Social Contract and the Declaration of Independence, and finds a more nuanced expression in Émile, where a child’s education is tailored to harness personal talents and foster autonomy in adulthood.

The Innate Goodness of People

The philosophes championed the belief that human beings are naturally virtuous, asserting that society and civilization are the true culprits of their moral decay. Since individuals are fundamentally good, they possess the capacity to govern themselves and collaborate in pursuit of the greater good. Jean-Jacques Rousseau explores this notion in The Social Contract, arguing that despite personal differences and competing interests, individuals will, as a collective, choose in favor of communal welfare.

Rousseau's Educational Philosophy

In his work Émile, Rousseau extends this philosophy to the realm of education, proposing that the goal of education should not be to reform or shape a child into a predetermined mold, but to nurture and reveal the child's inherent talents and goodness.

Voltaire's Contrasting View

Not all Enlightenment thinkers shared this optimistic view of humanity. In Candide, Voltaire offers a sharp contrast, illustrating numerous instances of human cruelty and the misuse of power. Yet, when his characters find solace in the simplicity of farm life, away from the corrupting influence of civilization, their violent tendencies seem to wane. Nevertheless, the theme of innate human goodness is notably less pronounced in Voltaire’s narrative.

Deism offers a unique tapestry of spiritual thought, where the threads of moral integrity, noble living, and a distant Creator weave a distinct picture of faith. Adherents to this belief acknowledge the presence of a divine architect, yet they dismiss the supernatural elements such as miracles and the resurrection of Christ. They hold the perspective that while God indeed set the universe into motion, His involvement in daily human affairs is nonexistent. This perception starkly contrasts with the doctrines of both Catholic and Protestant denominations.

The enlightened philosophes found themselves at odds with the Roman Catholic Church, which they viewed as an overly authoritarian force. From their deist standpoint, they remained indifferent to the concept of an afterlife. Instead, they championed the idea that humanity's focus should be on elevating the quality of our present existence, advocating for the pursuit of worldly joy and satisfaction. These revolutionary thoughts resonate through the pages of Diderot's Encyclopédie and echo in the Preamble to the Declaration of Independence, where the foundational rights of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" are celebrated.