The 18th century, the Age of Enlightenment, most assuredly produced many revolutionary changes throughout Europe. This Age of Enlightenment intensely emphasized human intelligence and analytical reason. This brought forth an innate desire for the progression of man. The changes which were most abundant during this century can be seen predominantly in Europe 's society, economy, as well as their political systems. Two theorists who were especially essential to the Age of Enlightenment were Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Montesquieu who was originally known as Charles Louis de Secondat, Baron de la Brede et de. The more influential of these two, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, philosophized and wrote on nearly everything from the corruption of humanity to education to even music. Montesquieu philosophized and satirized and established a remarkable influence on politics, society, literature, and ecclesiastical matters. Both of these philosophes had a colossal effect on their society, economy, and political systems which can be seen even today.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau was probably one of the most accomplished writers of the Age of Enlightenment, but his writing gives only a glimpse of his …show more content…
His theories severely degrade philosophies regarding divine right and emphasize natural as well as manual labor. In Émile, Rousseau makes this quite clear by stating that of all the trades "which can furnish substance to man, that which most nearly approaches to the state nature is manual labor...do not work from necessity, work for glory. Lower yourself to the splendor of the artisan in order to be above your own" (Rousseau 232-233). Although his beliefs regarding the government 's role in society could be considered by some as oppressive or totalitarian, Rousseau 's writings played an incredibly important role in Europe 's individual rights