The so-called Enlightenment - part one: the flattening of man

[fpb]

It is typical of the whole spirit of willing self-deception with which the average educated person approaches the so-called Enlightenment, that the most famous quote about it is false. Voltaire never said: "I disagree with your views, but I will fight to the death for your right to hold them", and if he had he would have been a liar. Voltaire was

Comments

[capnflynn]

Oh. Wow. I'd never thought about Adam Smith and his conclusions in that way, but you are absolutely right. Thank you for giving me food for thought!

[fpb]

I'm not "absolutely" right. Bear in mind that I attacked Smith on two specific points. It does not mean that he is not otherwise a major figure and an important theorist. There has also been a spirited response from wemyss, which I recommend you read. With any luck, the debate is only just begun.

[capnflynn]

^^ I shall happily read wemyss's response ... but I can't find it. :(

[capnflynn]

Apparently because I didn't look hard enough. *is embarrassed*

Dear God do I know THAT feeling.

[wemyss]

Thank you - and of course my thanks to Fabio for kindly mentioning it.