Romanticism vs. Enlightenment: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sawaira Riaz || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on November 6, 2023
Romanticism is an artistic and intellectual movement emphasizing emotion and individualism; Enlightenment is an intellectual movement stressing reason and science.
Key Differences
Romanticism was an artistic, literary, and intellectual movement that originated in the late 18th century, emphasizing emotion, individualism, and nature. Enlightenment, on the other hand, was an intellectual movement of the 17th and 18th centuries, focusing on reason, science, and the power of human thought to understand and reform society.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
While Romanticism cherished personal feeling and intuition, Enlightenment thinkers valued the scientific method and rationalism. The Romantics believed that subjective emotional experience was the path to truth, while the Enlightenment put its faith in objective empirical evidence and logical reasoning.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
The Romantic era arose as a reaction to the Enlightenment's emphasis on logic and reason. Romanticism celebrated the beauty of the unpredictable and the imperfections of the natural world, which contrasted with the Enlightenment's quest for order and perfection through reason and knowledge.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Romantics prized the mysterious and the sublime, finding beauty in the awe-inspiring and the supernatural, whereas Enlightenment thinkers sought clarity, deeming knowledge and understanding as the avenues to freedom and progress.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
In Romanticism, artists and writers sought to express a new level of emotional depth, often using nature as a metaphor for human feelings. Enlightenment thinkers, conversely, were more likely to advance ideas of progress and human development through education and political reform.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Perception of Nature
Majestic, awe-inspiring, spiritual
A subject to be understood and controlled
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Art and Literature
Expressive, subjective, imaginative
Rational, instructive, often satirical
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
Philosophy
Intuition and feelings are keys to truth
Logic and empirical evidence lead to truth
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
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Romanticism and Enlightenment Definitions
Romanticism
A preference for the exotic and mysterious.
Romanticism infused her novels with a sense of wonder.
Harlon Moss
Nov 06, 2023
Enlightenment
A philosophical movement valuing scientific thought.
His work on natural rights was influenced by Enlightenment thinkers.
Janet White
Nov 06, 2023
Romanticism
A movement valuing emotion and nature over reason.
Romanticism in literature often features an emphasis on emotional expression.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
Enlightenment
An era promoting knowledge and reason.
The Enlightenment period is often called the Age of Reason.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
Romanticism
A celebration of the past and medievalism.
The castle's architecture drew upon romanticism's revival of Gothic elements.
Sara Rehman
Nov 06, 2023
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Enlightenment
An intellectual movement advocating for individual rights.
Enlightenment principles can be seen in the foundation of modern democracies.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Romanticism
An emphasis on individual experience.
His painting reflects romanticism's focus on personal spirituality.
Harlon Moss
Nov 06, 2023
Enlightenment
A cultural period favoring education and reform.
Enlightenment ideals spurred many societal reforms.
Sara Rehman
Nov 06, 2023
Romanticism
An artistic and philosophical stance stressing freedom and imagination.
Romanticism in music brought about longer, more expressive compositions.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Enlightenment
The act of gaining insight or understanding.
Her travel experiences led to an enlightenment about the world's diverse cultures.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Romanticism
Often Romanticism An artistic and intellectual movement originating in Europe in the late 1700s and characterized by a heightened interest in nature, emphasis on the individual's expression of emotion and imagination, departure from the attitudes and forms of classicism, and rebellion against established social rules and conventions.
Sumera Saeed
Mar 10, 2023
FAQs
What is Romanticism?
Romanticism is a cultural movement that values emotions, individualism, and nature.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
When was the Enlightenment?
The Enlightenment was primarily in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
What is Enlightenment?
Enlightenment is a historical period emphasizing reason, science, and human progress.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
How did Romanticism view progress?
It was skeptical of industrial progress, fearing it might alienate humans from nature.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
When did Romanticism occur?
Romanticism mainly took place from the late 18th to the mid-19th century.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Why did Romanticism arise?
Romanticism emerged as a reaction against the Enlightenment's focus on reason.
Harlon Moss
Nov 06, 2023
Were Enlightenment thinkers against religion?
Many supported deism or the idea that reason and natural law governed the universe.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
Can Romanticism be found in today's culture?
Yes, its influence persists in contemporary art, literature, and philosophy.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
Is Romanticism only about art?
No, it also encompasses literature, music, and philosophy.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
How did the Enlightenment affect government?
It influenced the development of modern democratic and constitutional governments.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Was the Enlightenment optimistic about humanity's future?
Generally, yes, due to belief in continual progress.
Sara Rehman
Nov 06, 2023
What did Enlightenment thinkers believe?
They believed in the power of reason and scientific methods to advance society.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Did the Enlightenment contribute to the scientific revolution?
Yes, it was closely associated with advances in science and technology.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
What genres did Romanticism influence?
It impacted poetry, novels, music, and visual arts.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Did Romanticism have a political impact?
Yes, it influenced movements for national liberation and individual rights.
Harlon Moss
Nov 06, 2023
Does Romanticism have a connection to nationalism?
Yes, it often celebrated national history and folklore.
Harlon Moss
Nov 06, 2023
How did the Enlightenment view the universe?
As orderly and governed by natural laws discoverable through reason.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
What is the Enlightenment's legacy in education?
It encouraged the development of public education systems.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
Did Romanticism value the supernatural?
Yes, it often embraced the supernatural and mystical.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Did the Enlightenment reject emotional aspects of life?
Not reject, but it certainly prioritized rational thought over emotion.
Sara Rehman
Nov 06, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
