Why Kant I learn about myself part deux.

I want to revisit Kant's writings again, so I will continue with the next two paragraphs in the passage. Here is the link again. . .

An Answer to the Question:
What is Enlightenment?

Thus, it is difficult for any individual man to work himself out of the immaturity that has all but become his nature. He has even become fond of this state and for the time being is actually incapable of using his own understanding, for no one has ever allowed him to attempt it. Rules and formulas, those mechanical aids to the rational use, or rather misuse, of his natural gifts, are the shackles of a permanent immaturity. Whoever threw them off would still make only an uncertain leap over the smallest ditch, since he is unaccustomed to this kind of free movement. Consequently, only a few have succeeded, by cultivating their own minds, in freeing themselves from immaturity and pursuing a secure course.

But that the public should enlighten itself is more likely; indeed, if it is only allowed freedom, enlightenment is almost inevitable. For even among the entrenched guardians of the great masses a few will always think for themselves, a few who, after having themselves thrown off the yoke of immaturity, will spread the spirit of a rational appreciation for both their own worth and for each person's calling to think for himself. But it should be particularly noted that if a public that was first placed in this yoke by the guardians is suitably aroused by some of those who are altogether incapable of enlightenment, it may force the guardians themselves to remain under the yoke--so pernicious is it to instill prejudices, for they finally take revenge upon their originators, or on their descendants. Thus a public can only attain enlightenment slowly. Perhaps a revolution can overthrow autocratic despotism and profiteering or power-grabbing oppression, but it can never truly reform a manner of thinking; instead, new prejudices, just like the old ones they replace, will serve as a leash for the great unthinking mass.

I somewhat disagree with what Kant is saying here, and maybe it is because I am a bit more optimistic about the human spirit, as well as our ability to make rational decisions. Yes, there is a lot of truth to what he says, and there is a gullible view of the masses. There are a lot of people who decide for one reason or another, to listen to others, and stop thinking for themselves. Heck, the entire republican party relies on these people for support. BUT, there are also people who recognize the reality of life, the rationalization of self, and the realization of being, these people also make up this society. Any society has its flock, as well as the thinkers, but the great societies take the thinkers and place them at the top, not to manipulate the masses, but instead to steer them towards enlightenment. It depends not on whether the people are of the rational or irrational kind, but instead what our leaders are like. We can as a society evolve to enlightenment, but that will only be possible if our leaders both allow us, and promote enlightenment as policy.

For an example, look at the current administration, and compare it with the past administration. One man surrounds himself with people who are highly educated, and many have different opinions on issues, the other surrounds himself with yes men who toe the company line. On one hand you have a group of people who can lead society to enlightenment, and challenge a society to become enlightened. On the other hand, you have a group of people who want to keep everyone in the dark, and do everything in secrecy. Yes, the latter is exactly how Kant describes government, and how they manipulate the masses. If you want to have a blueprint of the Bush Administration, just pick up a copy of Orwell, or real Goebbles. Throughout history, there have been many Bush Administrations, there have been many governments who ruled similarly, but the beauty of democracy is that you can change things. It is something Kant just hints upon, but he doesn't come to the same realization as many. That is there can be people who want to govern not for fame, or fortune, but instead because they believe their vision for the future is the correct way to lead a nation. We are in the midst of a crisis none have ever seen in our history, yet now is a time for hope. It is a time when those people who consider themselves enlightened can look towards the future and see something bright. It is not about the market, the GDP, growth, or money, but instead the path of truth. That is the path we are currently on, and it is where our country is steering into the future. It is a good thing to witness, something I wish Kant could see, because I think if he was around now, he may just have changed his mind :)