
My Dear Friend of Democracy,
Our present-day democracies are unthinkable without the Age of Enlightenment. But what exactly is this?
In his contribution, the Königsberg philosopher Immanuel Kant answered that question, which had been posed in a footnote in the Berlinische Monatsschrift in 1783 by the theologian Johann Friedrich Zöller, who was discussing the controversial matter of civil marriage in that magazine. Kant defined Enlightenment in the famous words:
"Enlightenment is man's emergence from his self-imposed immaturity."
Immaturity is self-imposed when its cause lies not in a lack of understanding but in a lack of resolve and courage to use it without guidance from another.
Today, our access to knowledge is comprehensive. No one can justify harmful behaviour by saying they did not know what consequences their behaviour would have, such as on the climate or attacks on democracy. We all know what can happen.
Scientific findings have given us a responsibility. We can no longer hide behind ignorance.
✊ So, let us accept responsibility, be enlightened, and act accordingly.
See you in Europe,
Johannes