In fact, during this period their way of thinking underwent great change and their thinking exercised more pro­found influence than the Renaissance, the Protestant Reformation and geographical discoveries.

The spirit and purpose of the Age of Enlightenment has been eloquently brought out by the famous philosopher Baron d’Holbach thus : “Let us then endeavor to disperse those clouds of igno­rance, those mists of darkness, which impede man in his journey, which block his progress, which prevent his marching through life with a firm and steady step.

Let us try to inspire him…with respect for his own reason-with an inextinguishable love of truth. ..so that he may learn to know himself…and no longer be duped by an imagination that has been led astray by authority…so that he may learn to base his morals on his own wants, on the real advantage of society…so that he may learn to pursue his true happiness, by promoting that of others…in short, so that he may become a virtuous and rational being, who cannot fail to become happy.”

In short, during the age of enlightenment greater importance was attached to mind rather than faith and happiness and fulfillment in this “world was given precedence over life in the next world.