Dare to Know!

The New Age of Reason

For centuries, society has moved forward whenever individuals had the courage to ask big questions, to challenge the way things are and imagine how they could be better. One of the most powerful examples of this was a period known as the Age of Reason, also known as The Enlightenment. It was a time in the 17th and 18th centuries when thinkers, writers, and philosophers across the Western world began to put reason—the ability to think critically—at the center of their lives. They believed that by using logic, evidence, and rational thought, society could break from tradition, overcome tyranny, and solve its greatest problems.

This period sparked extraordinary change. Democracy, human rights, and freedom of speech—the very foundations of modern society—were born out of these ideas. The thinkers of that time—people like Voltaire, Rousseau, Montesquieu, and Kant—were asking themselves the big questions: How can individuals make decisions that improve life for everyone? How can we make the world freer, fairer, and safer?

They didn’t reject tradition for the sake of rebellion; they were driven by a core belief that we can do better. By asking questions, by drawing on science and reason, they believed humanity could build a future based on facts, fairness, and freedom, not just on what we’re told to believe.

But here’s the thing: those ideas didn’t just stop when the Age of Reason ended. The spirit of those ideals—the pursuit of knowledge, progress, and human improvement—is just as important now as it was then. In fact, it may be even more critical today.

Why?

In today's world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the constant flood of information and opinions. We’re bombarded by headlines, soundbites, and social media posts, and it can be hard to know what’s true and what’s noise. Misinformation spreads quickly, and too often, decisions are made based on emotion or belief rather than facts.

That’s why we’re calling this the New Age of Reason.

What does that mean?

It means stepping back and remembering the lessons of those earlier thinkers. It means understanding that rational thought, evidence, and critical thinking—not just blindly accepting what we hear—are the most effective tools we have to create a better world.

At Dare to Know, we are inspired by the phrase "Sapere Aude", which means “Dare to Know” or, more simply, “Have the courage to think for yourself.” German philosopher Immanuel Kant, one of the leading figures of the Age of Reason, once used that phrase to challenge people to break free from what he called "self-imposed immaturity." He encouraged individuals to ask questions, think deeply, and to examine the world with an open mind, even when it’s uncomfortable.

This isn't about rejecting faith or dismissing beliefs. It's about thoughtful consideration, clarity, and understanding. It’s about not letting any single ideology or tradition cloud the way we approach the problems before us. Just like the revolutionaries of the past, we believe today’s world can be made better—more united and more fair—if we have the courage to use our minds to their fullest potential.

A Path Forward Together

We’re not here to divide people or to start arguments. We’re here to reignite the simple idea that reason—having the patience and discipline to ask hard questions and explore nuanced answers—is the key to moving forward together. At Dare to Know, our mission is to give you tools to confidently navigate the complexities of our modern world. We want to help you cut through the noise of misinformation, navigate differing opinions, and consider why you believe what you believe.

The New Age of Reason isn’t a movement against anything; it’s a movement for progress and shared understanding. In the end, this is about empowering you—helping all of us engage with the world thoughtfully, just as thinkers centuries ago took their brave first steps toward a more informed, free, and fair society.

So, what will you do with this power? How will you step into your own New Age of Reason? The answers are there for those who dare to know.