The Effect on Enlightenment Ideals on the Development and Growth of the American Government

Finally, the philosophers influenced the intellectual values of America today. Starting with Kant who declared, "There are only a few men who walk firmly and who have emerged from nonage by cultivating their own minds," all the following philosophers declared the need for man to think for himself. Today, that is very important in our society. Although it is sometimes suppressed as it was in the Middle Ages, most people are free to think whatever they wish and come to their own conclusions. In fact, many schools try to cultivate awareness in children starting at an early age. As a prime example, the International Baccalaureate program is focused on broadening the student's horizons to unimaginable widths.…