Introduction
Generally, Free Thought can be attributed to almost all developments and advancements in the world. Ranging from innovations and technological developments to religion and political changes, free thought seems to be the main driver of change. Free thought requires that free thinkers hold their positions regarding truth based on empiricism, logic, and reason. This implies that a free thinker should not be influenced by such things as tradition, authority or revelation. Free thought has developed a society of civilized people and advanced technology leading to the end of ineffective and bureaucratic regimes and religions that brought about differences within the society. Within the last five hundred years, the world has experienced the highest advancement in technology and economic development which are attributable to the development of free thought.
Imagine if people like Adam Smith, Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, and Karl Max were influenced by force of authority or religion during their innovative thinking and developments? How different would the world be today? Some of the world’s greatest innovators were definitely free thinkers. It would have been impossible for Isaac Newton to develop the laws of motion if he was fully convinced that only God can explain why things must come down when thrown up.
In addition, the past 500 years have seen the most technological, economic and social developments in the world because of the change in the will of the people to embrace free thinking. The agrarian revolution and the industrial revolutions occurred within the last 500 years. Agrarian revolution marked changes in the world’s way of conducting agricultural practices. On the other hand, industrial revolution brought about the mass production of commodities. During the industrial revolution, the world witnessed different innovations including the Steam Engine by Thomas Newcomen. Karl Benz also invented the first petrol car in the late 19th century. Unlike in the past, most of the inventions and innovations that have occurred in the last 500 years were not greatly influenced by religion and authority. Inventions like the first petrol car were no influenced by the church or traditions. This period has also marked the emergence of some great thinkers and innovators like Bill Gates.
Therefore, development and advancement in the economy, life and technology depends on the beliefs and thoughts of free thinkers. A good example of this influence is the developments before and after the Second World War in the U.S. at the beginning of the war, the U.S. government used the creativity of free thinkers by using industries for production of weapons to be used in the war. The period after the war was marked by greater developments based on the works of the past economists and the conversion of industries back to production of other materials other than weapons. The change of focus towards knowledge definitely contributed to the development of the U.S. economy.
In July 1945, the heads of Britain U.S.A and China formed established what is called the Potsdam declaration. This was an agreement that was meant to give Japan a chance to end the war peacefully. However, Japan did not respond to the declaration, prompting the three allied countries to the dyer action outlined in the declaration. The decision to ignore the may have led to the devastating events that occurred in Japan thereafter, including the atomic bombing of two cities. Japan was forced to surrender and abide by the declaration requirements. One of the requirements in the declaration was that “The Japanese
Government shall remove all
obstacles
to
the
revival
and
strengthening
of
democratic
tendencies
among
the
Japanese
people.
Freedom of speech, of religion, and
of
thought, as
well
as
respect
for
the
fundamental
human
rights
shall be
established” (Potsdam Declaration 2).
The fall of japan and the development of freedom of thought and speech contributed greatly to some of the world’s major development. First, this brought about the change of focus from ruling the world through military power and shifted the focus towards technological and economic advancement. Japan became one of the world’s biggest influencers and innovators. Toyota and its methods of manufacturing are just some of the ways that freedom of thought brought about the improvements in technology. However, shift in focus towards technology brought about the developments of military equipment, some of which are very dangerous.
After the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings, different countries embark in the business of developing nuclear weapons and preparedness for war. Technology has also seen different nations invest hugely in the production of weapons which sometimes get out of control and fall in the hands of terrorists and other groups. Free thinking also increases the rate of crime as people use their developed technology to cause disharmony in the society. A good example is the hackers and terrorists. In addition, free thinking can be misused as a destruction weapon. For example, President Truman termed the destruction by the atomic bomb a victory and even promised to get more powerful bombs. In a press release after the bomb, Truman said, “The battle of laboratories held fateful risks for us as well as the battles of the air, land and sea, and we have now won the battle of the laboratories as we have won the other battles” . According to General Farrell’s survey, the bomb at Hiroshima killed approximately 66000 people, . Such a big number of deaths does not seem to be something the president should have been proud of.
Conclusion
Free thinking is the main force behind inventions, innovations, development and advancement in the world. Japan’s technological and economic advancements occurred after the move shift of focus towards technology. Similarly, the developments in Europe took place after the power of the church had greatly reduced. This can also be observed through the developments in the U.S. that occurred during the industrial revolution and after the Second World War. This is because free thinking leads to the empowerment of the mind and contributes to the generation of new ideas and developments.
Work Cited
Declaration, Potsdam. "July 26, 1945." Birth of the Constitution of Japan Collection (2012).
The Manhattan Engineer District,. "THE ATOMIC BOMBINGS OF HIROSHIMA AND NAGASAKI." (1946): 1. <http://www.abomb1.org/hiroshim/hiro_med.html>.
Truman, Harry. "Immediate Release: Statement by the President of the United State of America." (1945): 1. <https://www.trumanlibrary.org/whistlestop/study_collections/bomb/large/documents/index.php?documentid=59&pagenumber=1>.
