The End of Enlightenment by Richard Whatmore review – a warning from 18th-century Britain
Review of 'The End of Enlightenment' by Richard Whatmore, a study on the betrayal of the age of reason by Britain's ruling elite and its modern resonance.
A Betrayal of Reason
Thomas Paine believed that Britain needed to be destroyed, its monarchy toppled, and its empire broken up in order for a better version of the country to arise. However, his ideas were not realized. In 'The End of Enlightenment', Richard Whatmore explores the history of 18th-century Britain and argues that the age of reason was betrayed by the greed, corruption, and barbarism of the ruling elite.
Paine's nemesis, Edmund Burke, acknowledged that Britain was a basket case. Other intellectuals of the time, such as Mary Wollstonecraft, Catharine Macaulay, Edward Gibbon, and David Hume, were also critical of their country's state. They drew on Adam Smith's 'The Wealth of Nations' to understand what had gone wrong, condemning the corrupt nexus of bankers, politicians, and merchants who prioritized their own profit over the good of society.
Whatmore highlights the parallels between 18th-century Britain and its modern counterpart. He argues that both eras are marked by class divisions, inequality, and a focus on personal gain. The book serves as a warning about the dangers of straying from the principles of reason and enlightenment.
Challenging Conceptions of Enlightenment
The concept of Enlightenment has evolved over time. While it was once associated with humanity's progress towards wisdom and reason, later thinkers have challenged this view. Michel Foucault connected Enlightenment with the rise of the surveillance state, while John Gray blamed it for the negative impacts of global capitalism. Adorno and Horkheimer even argued that Enlightenment's emphasis on reason led to the atrocities of Auschwitz.
Whatmore offers a different perspective on Enlightenment in his book. He asserts that its objective was to overcome superstition and religious fanaticism, but it ultimately failed due to Britain's imperial ambitions and the revolutionary terror in France. He draws parallels to the present day, stating that we are living in a world that has experienced an end to enlightenment, as strategies to prevent violence and chaos have faltered.
The book challenges readers to reflect on the state of current society and the need for a new Enlightenment. Whatmore suggests that Britain, in particular, is in thrall to greed, folly, and a deference to the ruling class. He argues that a return to the principles of reason and enlightenment is necessary to address the challenges we face.
The Enduring Relevance
'The End of Enlightenment' by Richard Whatmore remains relevant today because it sheds light on the historical and contemporary issues faced by societies. The book warns against the detrimental effects of greed, corruption, and the abandonment of reason. It serves as a reminder that the principles of enlightenment are still necessary to overcome challenges and create a more just and equitable society.
By examining 18th-century Britain and its parallels to the present, Whatmore prompts readers to consider the state of their own society and the importance of upholding the ideals of reason and enlightenment. The book encourages critical thinking and reflection on the values and systems that shape our world.
Overall, 'The End of Enlightenment' offers a thought-provoking analysis of history and its implications for the present. It serves as an important reminder of the consequences of straying from the principles that underpin a just society.
