Enlightenment and Beyond (Gains and Losses in the Value Pursuits of Westerners Since Modern Times)

Author: Lu Feng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-09-01
Features: This book reflects and analyzes the gains and losses of the values of medieval Westerners and the pursuit of values after the Enlightenment, attempting to reveal a truth: if humanity cannot break free from the cultural field of capitalism, it cannot escape the ecological crisis; if humanity wants to break free from the cultural field of capitalism, it must undergo a "revolution of the heart."
Medieval Western Europe was called the "Dark Ages" by some historians. The Enlightenment heroes used their intellectual torches to dispel the darkness of the Middle Ages and spread the seeds of capitalism. They bravely declared: "I am a mortal, and I only seek mortal happiness." Until they announced the death of "God." "God is dead," and humans became their own God. Human thought and wisdom were like that of God, and modern technology, the sword of humanity, was the "hand of God." Highly developed productivity and the great achievements of material civilization were conjured into existence by human magic. Human greed and human confidence made them unable to feel reverence, constantly conquering everything. However, humanity is too powerful—powerful enough to destroy the Earth. The cancer of human civilization is spreading, eroding its own body. Why is this the case? People's beliefs determine their value pursuits, and people's value pursuits, in turn, largely determine their lifestyles and life content.