Lynn Hunt's The Revolutionary Self examines the emergence of modern individualism between 1770-1800 in Europe and British North America. The significant political and cultural changes of the time led to a shift in how individuals perceived their ability to shape their lives. Hunt argues that while secularization diminished notions of original sin, the recognition of social forces, such as race and class, complicated individual identity. The French Revolution catalyzed this transition, provoking a reevaluation of personal and societal relationships amidst a landscape marked by new cultural practices and ideas.
Hunt argues that the simultaneous discoveries of the individual and society created a paradox where free will and social determinism began to conflict.
The French Revolution served as a catalyst for shifting perceptions, promoting a move away from divine order toward a framework of free will.
Hunt intricately links the abstract concepts of individualism and society with tangible cultural practices, showcasing their effect on daily life.
Travel writing in the 18th century sparked European self-reflection, challenging their superiority narratives and deepening their understanding of social constructs.
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