Enlightenment

A Dubious Concept

As I walked, a car was coming from the opposite direction. We were not on a spacious avenue. Naturally, I felt like having as much space between me and the approaching car as possible. The car, however, appeared to be interested in how best line it could draw with its trajectory. Since the road bent lightly, those who were sensible to technically better ways of passing a corner might like to go as straight as they can: from wide to narrow and to wide in terms of the distance between the car and the corner. In fact, the car past really close to me at the corner. Coming from wide, the car appeared as if to aim at where I was.

Human beings sometimes become playful. However, becoming playful while using mechanical power requires extra caution in comparison to while in man-to-man interactions. Just a slight touch of a running car on a pedestrian could be fatal.

I thought of how less there were people enlightened. Rather, enlightenment appeared too ideal and only theoretical. It seems absurd to expect people of even modest rationality.

The incident reminded me of my doubt about the concept of the Enlightenment. While believing in humanity, I feel like dismissing the concept of Enlightenment just because it sounds arrogant. Men enlighten men?

Some may know something that others have never thought of. However, could simply telling something new result in enlightenment? Even if those informed feel persuaded, how can they prove that they are enlightened? Furthermore, even if they succeed in demonstrating their enlightenment, could this guarantee the indiscriminate enlightenment? If enlightenment is for only limited persons, how come can it be called enlightenment, rather than throwing shadows upon others?

The concept of Enlightenment indicates a seed of distorted morality. It deprives us of abilities to make sense of a plurality of meaning. We each share weaknesses in preferring better while knowing the impossibility for everyone to stand on the right side at one time. Morality is not a certain standard along which to decide good or bad, but rather, indeterminacy.

I feel lucky to survive and re-confirm my theory that I may at any time be killed without any reason. Therefore, I have determined again to advocate for relief of soul no matter how ephemeral, rather than the seemingly lasting brightness of the Enlightenment.