Kant's description of Enlightenment as "man's emergence from his self-incurred immaturity" is a somewhat pertinent definition, solidifying the quintessential ideas of Enlightenment to a certain degree in a brief sentence. .
It is important, if one is to obtain the meaning behind this definition to study the rest of the article. Primarily, self-incurred immaturity is the ignorance which man has acquired for himself, this is often as a result of laziness, and unwillingness to try to aspire to anything beyond what is considered to be a standard format of knowledge. .
Kant also outlines the fact that man's self-incurred immaturity is partially as a result of his reluctance to independence. .
"I need not make any effort at all".
In this part of this article, Kant explains how a great degree of our lives involves being dependent upon others to provide, and function for us. Society has allocated a provider, and supervisor for almost every function we could hope to carry out. This is indeed still the case today to a certain degree. We have an provider present in almost every aspect of our daily routine. .
Kant progresses to explain, that perhaps anther reason for the immaturity in question, is as a result of the subordination which has been placed upon us by society, and the fear, which leads us to conform. .
"They next show them the danger which threatens them if they attempt to walk unaided" .
Although to a certain degree, we are a much more enlightened species than we were at the time of Kant (increasing deviation for social normality makes it difficult to even determine what normal is) the laws of social conduct still weigh heavily on our lives. .
In the article, Kant also articulates that this immaturity in question cannot be entirely overcome. In order so function in any society we must conform to a certain degree. .
"Obedience is imperative".
To deviate entirely would possibly mean that we would not be able to get a job, or make a successful living.