The two most common enlightenment concepts in America were religious tolerance and the notion that people should be free from coercion in their private lives or consciences.
During the Enlightenment, it was believed that human reason could uncover facts about the world, religion, and politics and apply them to better humankind. Another key principle was to be sceptical of conventional wisdom; everything should be put to the test and given careful consideration. Enlightenment ideals included religious tolerance and the freedom from coercion in one's private affairs and conscience. The Enlightenment also gave rise to the notion that society is a social contract between the rulers and the ruled.
