Perspective: Science, Philosophy, and Spirituality

Modernity emerged through 17th-century global maritime trade, fostering capitalism, financial institutions, and scientific advancements. The Enlightenment provided intellectual foundations, shaping democracy and individual rights. Rather than a solely European phenomenon, modernity was a global process, shaped by interconnected trade, governance, and exploitation, culminating in the Industrial Revolution’s acceleration.

Between 1750 and 1850 Enlightenment ideals challenged traditional hierarchies, leading to political revolutions and new conceptions of governance. The Industrial Revolution reshaped economies, bringing both prosperity and new social challenges. Meanwhile, European expansion restructured global trade, integrating distant regions into a world economy dominated by Britain.