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Paris in the 1700's
"In the 1700's Paris was the cultural and Intellectual capital of Europe...From there radiated the ideas of Enlightenment" ( Pearson 558). Paris was the gathering spot of students in the 1700's where the ideas of Enlightenment were formed. -
The Importance of Salons
" In their large drawing rooms, these hostesses held regular social gatherings called salons... other great intellects met to discus ideas" ( Pearson pg 558). Salons were large gatherings of people that would discuss the ideas of Enlightenment. Having large amounts of people hearing the ideas at once made it easier to spread among the public. -
The creation of the Encyclopedia
" Diderot imagined a large set of books to which all the leading scholars of Europe would contribute articles and essays. This Encyclopedia, as he called it"( Pearson 558). Diderot came up with a book of all the ideas from scholars to make one large book. -
The Approval of the Encyclopedia
" The censors banned the work... Diderot won permission to continue publishing the Encyclopedia" ( Pearson 559). Even though higher powers did not want the Encyclopedia made public he proceeded, and made it public. -
Bringing up the Middle Class
" Enlightenment ideas about government and equality attracted the attention of a growing middle class... Through it's purchasing power, this group had growing influence over European culture in the 1700's" ( Pearson 559). The middle class having access to Enlightenment ideas, gave them more spending power which helped form society in the 1700's.