Europe: The Sole Guardian of Enlightenment Values Amidst Global Disorder

Europe is currently framed as the “sole guardian of the values of the Enlightenment” during a period described as the “time of monsters.” This characterization suggests that amid “global disorder,” the continent remains the primary defender of rationalist principles while existing systems fail to transition into new forms.

What defines the “time of monsters” in Europe?

The current state of the continent is described through the lens of a crisis where “the old dies and the new cannot be born.” This suggests a period of systemic stagnation or collapse where previous structures are disappearing without being replaced by viable alternatives.

This environment is characterized as a “chiaroscuro”—a contrast of light and shadow—providing a space where “monsters of global disorder” are able to thrive. The phrasing indicates that the instability is not merely regional but part of a broader global trend of disorder.

How are the values of the Enlightenment positioned?

In the face of this perceived disorder, Europe is positioned as the “sole guardian” of the Enlightenment. This framing posits the continent as the last remaining entity committed to the intellectual and political values forged during that era.

By describing Europe as the “sole” guardian, the narrative emphasizes a unique and isolated responsibility to preserve these values against the prevailing “time of monsters.”