The Enlightenment: The Pursuit of Happiness, 1680-1790

The Enlightenment: The Pursuit of Happiness, 1680-1790 by Ritchie Robertson

This is an extremely long book that attempts to explore the entire enlightenment. However, it reads more like a book review. It goes through fields and countries to explore various works of the era and how they tie together in various themes. The time period does get a bit fluid, with Jane Austen books appearing also. In addition to books, there are other works such as plays or compositions by Mozart. The elites of the time were thinking outside the box. Rather than focus on the given knowledge and explanations, they worked to discover and obtain truths of their own. The scientific method started to make its way in society. There was striving for more equality. However, that definition was in flux. Slavery was on the rise. The French Revolution started with bold goals, but then fell apart as those that did not adhere were executed. The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire is emblematic of the thought. Is society on a path towards improvement or just oscillating? The book goes on for much to long to try to get to its answers.