Kant, 'Political writings' (1784) " data-type="undefined" target="_blank">" data-type="undefined" target="_blank"> - the jolly text on Enlightenment, at the basis of Modernity.
The motto of enlightenment is therefore: Sapere aude! Have courage to use your own understanding! Laziness and cowardice are the reasons why such a large proportion of men, even when nature has long emancipated them from alien guidance.' I. This immaturity is self-incurred if its cause is not lack of understanding, but lack of resolution and courage to use it without the guidance of another. Immaturity is the inability to use one's own understanding without the guidance of another.
'Enlightenment is man's emergence from his self-incurred immaturity.