## How far east did enlightenment ideas travel?
The Enlightenment was a philosophical movement that dominated the Western world in the 18th century. It was characterized by a belief in reason, progress, and the natural rights of man. These ideas had a profound impact on Western thought and society, and they also spread to other parts of the world, including the East.
Japan
Japan was one of the first countries in the East to be influenced by Enlightenment ideas. In the 1720s, a group of Japanese scholars known as the Rangaku began to study Western books on science, mathematics, and philosophy. These scholars were impressed by the Enlightenment’s emphasis on reason and individual rights, and they began to incorporate these ideas into their own thinking.
The Rangaku movement had a major impact on Japanese society. It led to the development of new technologies, such as the printing press and the steam engine. It also led to a new emphasis on education and the spread of Enlightenment ideas among the general population.
China
Enlightenment ideas also had a significant impact on China. In the late 18th century, a number of Chinese scholars began to translate Western works on science, philosophy, and economics into Chinese. These translations were widely read by Chinese intellectuals, and they helped to spread Enlightenment ideas throughout the country.
The Enlightenment had a mixed impact on China. On the one hand, it helped to modernize the country and to introduce new technologies. On the other hand, it also led to a decline in traditional Chinese values and beliefs.
India
Enlightenment ideas also spread to India in the 18th century. The first Indian intellectuals to be influenced by these ideas were the members of the Bengal Renaissance. These intellectuals were impressed by the Enlightenment’s emphasis on reason, progress, and individual rights. They began to incorporate these ideas into their own thinking, and they also began to promote them among the Indian public.
The Bengal Renaissance had a major impact on Indian society. It led to the development of a new Indian intelligentsia, and it also helped to spread Enlightenment ideas throughout the country.
Korea
Enlightenment ideas also spread to Korea in the 19th century. The first Korean intellectuals to be influenced by these ideas were the members of the Silhak movement. These intellectuals were impressed by the Enlightenment’s emphasis on reason, progress, and individual rights. They began to incorporate these ideas into their own thinking, and they also began to promote them among the Korean public.
The Silhak movement had a major impact on Korean society. It led to the development of a new Korean intelligentsia, and it also helped to spread Enlightenment ideas throughout the country.
Conclusion
Enlightenment ideas had a profound impact on the East. They helped to modernize these countries and to introduce new technologies. They also led to a new emphasis on education and the spread of Enlightenment ideas among the general population.