Episode 4: The Age of Enlightenment - The Power of Emotion

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The rise of the bourgeoisie paves the way for the triumph of romantic love. Feelings rather than money now determine the choice of partner, marking the end of the arranged marriage. Personal affection and shared visions come to the forefront. Romantic happiness becomes the benchmark for a fulfilled life, and the right choice of partner increasingly gains importance. However, the church's moral watchdogs refuse to accept this and fight the idea of sexual freedom.

Even our Old Stone Age ancestors preferred stable pair bonds. Most women chose men willing to help with child-rearing as partners. During the Neolithic Revolution, nomadic hunters and gatherers…

In antiquity, patriarchy spreads relentlessly. Almost exclusively men sit on thrones. Women give birth and raise children. Whether in ancient Egypt, Greece, or Rome, men use their power to set the…

Christianity declares human lust a sin. Those who indulge in physical desires are said to burn in hell. Only marital sex for procreation is acceptable. However, the church's body negativity ignores…

The rise of the bourgeoisie paves the way for the triumph of romantic love. Feelings rather than money now determine the choice of partner, marking the end of the arranged marriage. Personal…

The 20th century is a revolutionary era in which many moral taboos are broken and rights for sexual minorities are fought for. Pioneers like doctors Sigmund Freud and Magnus Hirschfeld shock with…