What does Enlightenment mean?

What does it mean to be enlightened? Society is always pulling us here or there. Friends and family inflict their beliefs and influences on us all the time. Learning to accept their opinions without acting upon them is huge, and a great step in self realization, which leads to enlightenment.

That was the first step for me. Not reacting, I finally got-it. I don't have to react to everything or anything if it is detriment to my well being or that of others.To be 'enlightened' is to be your authentic self. To be free, to understand the truth in all situations. Enlightenment is freedom. Enlightenment is a continuous journey.

Below is a paragraph from Fordham University, Modern History Sourcebook, Immanuel Kant:

"For this enlightenment, however, nothing is required but freedom, and indeed the most harmless among all the things to which this term can properly be applied. It is the freedom to make public use of one's reason at every point. But I hear on all sides, "Do not argue!" The Officer says: "Do not argue but drill!" The tax collector: "Do not argue but pay!" The cleric: "Do not argue but believe!" Only one prince in the world says, "Argue as much as you will, and about what you will, but obey!" Everywhere there is restriction on freedom."

A good description of Enlightenment can be found here:  http://socola.tv/v2Rs7n

Learning self realization, becoming more and more conscious of your awareness, of your actions, with your surroundings and hence, what triggers you... is the best gift you can give yourself.

The Webster's Dictionary defines self realizationism as, "The ethical theory that the highest good for man consists in realizing or fulfilling himself usually on the assumption that he has certain inborn abilities constituting his real or ideal self." And as, "The fulfillment by oneself of the possibilities of one's character or personality."

And there we have another 'ism'!

Namaste~