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Joshua Kim
Bennett, Martin
Humanities 2
19 January 2016
The change and destruction of existing traditions for the future
The enlightenment is usually depicted as a revolutionary event. It changed the world of
thinking, philosophy, arts and brought a secular view into the world. It radically changed the
world with bringing new innovations from everyday tasks to things only the rich could afford.
However, the enlightenment brought unseen consequences. As common man learned the
discoveries of science it opened the world of observation and thinking with it. The enlightenment
not only benefited but also harmed the economy of the early modern era. It affected the economy
of the world initially as well as changed the world of arts. The enlightenment harmed the
economy through indirect consequences that weren't foreseen. The most impactful of the
consequences were the available labor, and the destruction of tradition in the arts.
As more common men set towards a path of science and thinking, there were less capable
man working, not in the fields, but in the areas on already existing practices and public services,
as slave did not have the freedom to explore this area of knowledge. In a review of a book, over
the economy and trade of Europe and Asia, it states that the customers of Indian silk trade knew
what they wanted. It also states that the East India Company kept records of amount stored and
traded(Tracy 895). When people go into the world of science not only does it places silk and
fabric lower in priorities, but also have less people to be on the vessels of trade. As time passes
by, these minute changes in economy grow on each other to create a devicate of the flourishing
economy and shift the market in science focused areas. Many scholars believe that the European

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presence in the Indian trade created a competition, neither dominance nor partnership (Tracy
896). Competition leads to both parties striving for the best, Europe wanting to take part and
control of the trade and India wanting to grow their economy to meet the needs of the european
demand. With a growing demand in scientific resources dwindles the demand in Indian trade,
due to their economy being tactile based, the competition between Europeans and Indians is
weakened. The weakened connections with India can be put into context with other nations.
Without this sacrifice of existing trade and community, the growth of the scientific revolution
wouldnt have been as it is today.
The enlightenment brought secular views into all aspects of life changing tradition. The
arts of the Europe was mainly had a religious focus until the enlightenment. It is asked in a
review, To what extent can those who live in a time of great social or cultural development
assess the changes which they witness?(Devon 243). People during the early modern era didn't
see the immediate effects with the enlightenment, they were blinded by the new discoveries.
Changing anything requires the destruction of the current tradition behind it. The change of art to
include secular views resulted in the removal of the religious focus in art. The review states that,
... there is little doubt about the awareness that a new and closer relationship between theoretical
science and the practical arts as being developed rapidly as a portent of progress-or at least of
the progress of science.(Devon 243). The unawareness of the relationship between science and
art wasnt seen until the future upon reflection.
Although all of these are existed, only the benefits were seen due to the overwhelming
changes it brought. The economy shift towards science broadened the range of products that
were on demand, as well other countries wanted the new products of the scientific revolution.
The change of focus in art wasnt shunned upon due to the massive acceptance of science and

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change of philosophy. Both of these sacrificed the tradition and culture that existed for years.
Culture and tradition that stayed on a linear path took a tangent with the new revival of
philosophy and the birth of modern science.