Quote by Theodor Wiesengrund Adorno, Dial
The Enlightenment has always aimed at liberating men from fear and establishing their sovereignty. Yet the fully enlightened earth radiates disaster triumphant.collaborated with Max Horkheimer
Summary
This quote, often attributed to Theodor Adorno (collaborating with Max Horkheimer), suggests that the Enlightenment's goal was to free individuals from fear and establish their autonomy. However, it also implies that a world completely governed by reason and enlightenment can bring about its own destructive consequences. The phrase "the fully enlightened earth radiates disaster triumphant" points to the idea that an excessive dominance of reason, devoid of critical thinking and empathy, can lead to negative outcomes. It highlights the importance of balancing rationality with ethical considerations to create a more harmonious and just society.