Enlightenment Quote by Stephen R.C. Hicks
““The contemporary Enlightenment world prides itself on its commitment to equality and justice, its open-mindedness, its making opportunity available to all, and its achievements in science and technology. The Enlightenment world is proud, confident, and knows it is the wave of the future. This is unbearable to someone who is totally invested in an opposed and failed outlook. That pride is what such a person wants to destroy. The best target to attack is the Enlightenment’s sense of its own moral worth. Attack it as sexist and racist, intolerantly dogmatic, and cruelly exploitative. Undermine its confidence in its reason, its science and technology. The words do not even have to be true or consistent to do the necessary damage. And like Iago, postmodernism does not have to get the girl in the end. Destroying Othello is enough.[320]””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Threat of Postmodernism, Stephen R.C. Hicks, 2005
The Enlightenment’s pride in equality, reason, and progress is attacked by postmodern critiques that label it oppressive, regardless of factual accuracy.
In simple terms: Postmodernism undermines Enlightenment values by attacking its moral worth.
Key Takeaway
Critically assess claims against Enlightenment ideals.
Themes
enlightenment
postmodernism
critique
truth
power
Mood
critical
analytical
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
controversial
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- media discourse
- political rhetoric
- education curricula
Key Concepts
philosophical skepticism
cultural conflict
ideological warfare
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence supports or refutes the critique?
- How can we balance progress with humility?
A Different Perspective
Counter-arguments may overlook genuine inequities within Enlightenment legacies.
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