
Lumieres
Lumieres, or "Lumières," refers to a cultural and intellectual movement in 18th-century France that emphasized reason, science, and individual thought over tradition and authority. It played a key role in inspiring the French Revolution and advocating for freedoms like free speech, education, and secular governance. Thinkers such as Voltaire and Rousseau championed ideas about human rights and progress. The movement's influence extended into art and science, fostering innovation and questioning established norms, ultimately shaping modern democratic societies and emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and evidence-based understanding.