Question

It was by becoming a Catholic that I pacified the Vendée [region in western France], and a [Muslim] that I established myself in Egypt; it was by becoming ultramontane that I won over public opinion in Italy. If I ruled a people of Jews, I would rebuild the temple of Solomon! Paradise is a central spot whither the souls of men proceed along different roads; every sect has a road of its own. Read this passage from Napoleon’s diary about religion. How does this passage relate to the ideals of the Enlightenment?

Answer 1

A. It supports religious tolerance for all. I just did the unit test review and got it right :)

Answer 2

Human autonomy is the key concept of Enlightenment ideas. This passage relates to those ideas because Napoleon is refering to the importance of reason over beliefs. When he says "the souls of men proceed along different roads" he is also claiming that any religion is valid to feel close to the creator. In a sense Napoleon makes reference to secularization (the idea of religion and politics should be separated and that one's method of worship should be a private matter). That is why he claims that he could be Catholic, Muslim, or Jew.