The rise of secularism from "summary" of From Dawn to Decadence by Jacques Barzun
The rise of secularism can be traced back to the Renaissance, a period marked by a revival of interest in classical learning and a questioning of traditional religious beliefs. This intellectual movement paved the way for the Enlightenment, which emphasized reason and science over faith and superstition. During the Enlightenment, thinkers such as Voltaire and Rousseau championed the idea of a secular society, one in which religion was separated from government and individuals were free to pursue their own beliefs. This shift towards secularism was further solidified by the French Revolution, which sought to replace the authority of the church with the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity. The Industrial Revolution also played a significant role in the rise of secularism, as advancements in technology and industry led to a greater focus on material progress and econom...
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