Public and Private use of reason

Kant applies to two different usages of reason that constitute true enlightenment – ‘private’ Usage
and ‘public’ usage. As Kant points out, “By the public use of one’s reason I understand the Use of
which a person makes of it as a scholar before the reading public. Private use I call that Which may
make of it in a particular civil post of office which entrusted to him” here he points at the fact that
the Private usage of reason should be subjected to certain limitations, while the public usage of
reason should be kept free, because it alone can bring about enlightenment among men According
to Kant, It is difficult for the isolated individual to work himself out of the immaturity which has
become almost natural for him. He has even become fond of it and for the time being is incapable of
Employing his own intelligence, because he has never been allowed to make the attempt.

Prescriptions and Formulas, and other tools of a serviceable use (or misuse according to Kant) of to
man’s natural faculties, shackles The continuous immaturity. Whoever threw it off would make an
uncertain jump over the smallest Due to deficient practice of free movement.

According to Kant revolutions are counter-productive to freedom and enlightenment for new ideas
through a revolution would replace the older ones. These New ideas are again imposed on the
immature population in this quest of enlightenment.

All that is required for this enlightenment is the understanding of ultimate human nature that
dictates the use of reason, freedom and courage to practice it and the right to maintain in under all
circumstances with a narrow amount of inhibitions.