30 MAY 2011 by ideonexus

 The Enlightenment was not an "Enlightened Age"

If it is now asked, "Do we presently live in an enlightened age?" the answer is, "No, but we do live in an age of enlightenment." As matters now stand, a great deal is still lacking in order for men as a whole to be, or even to put themselves into a position to be able without external guidance to apply understanding confidently to religious issues. But we do have clear indications that the way is now being opened for men to proceed freely in this direction and that the obstacles to general e...
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The Enlightenment is a journey not a destination.

01 JAN 2010 by ideonexus

 For Deists, A Fulfilling, Engaging Life Requires Science

To be happy in old age it is necessary that we accustom ourselves to objects that can accompany the mind all the way through life, and that we take the rest as good in their day. The mere man of pleasure is miserable in old age; and the mere drudge in business is but little better: whereas, natural philosophy, mathematical and mechanical science, are a continual source of tranquil pleasure, and in spite of the gloomy dogmas of priests, and of superstition, the study of those things is the stu...
Folksonomies: spiritual naturalism
Folksonomies: spiritual naturalism
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Thomas Paine on why Ben Franklin was always alive and active in life, because he always had science to inspire him. Without it, he would have gone senile.