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The Identity of the Enlightenment in Spain

Abstract

Spain is one of the countries that really struggled to recover its identity from the rule of
foreign leaders who had occupied their location. The idea of enlightenment in Spain begun in the
eighteenth century with the rule of new Bourbon and he mainly focused on modernization and
centralization of the Spanish government. In addition, there were various reforms that were
aimed at empowering the overseas empire to benefit the country. The research on the identity of
enlightenment of Spain is an essential topic that assists in highlighting various struggle and
efforts that people use to gain and understand their real identity. Therefore, the identity of people
is very important to understand and protect from the external influence that would change their
recognition. The paper explains the definition of the term identity as it is defined in the
philosophy and the way other philosopher tried to explain the term.

To understand the concept of identity of enlightenment in Spain, we to understand the

self and other identities that influence the consciousness of a human. The self and other idea
represents a double consciousness which exists within the psychology and identity of a person.
Moreover, it is essential to understand an identity of a person or a nation can be built on the
outside and inside. In the beginning, the identity of Spain was limited due to the invasion of
foreign leaders who had interest in resources of Spain. In addition, there were wars of succession
that affected the identity of Spain. Therefore, this work explores the effort of some people like
Jose Cadalso in ensuring that the country has attained its identity. It has an objective of
indicating how the Cartas marruecas were mainly used to promote the idea of enlightenment
among the societies in Spain.
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1. Identity as a Philosophical term

In the field of political science, identity has created a lot of conversation due to its
unclear and complex concept. National, state, ethnic and gender identities have been greatly
discussed. The work of Erik Erikson in the last six decades tried to give the meaning of identity
that has led to the creation of many interpretations in everyday and social science concepts.
However, identity refers to a social category that is defined by characteristics attributes,
membership rules and expected behaviors. In addition, it refers to social distinguishing features
that people take pride in or view in the society but can be unchangeable.

The word identity as used today has two definitions but their meanings are connected. It
can be social and personal identity. Social identity refers to a social group that is comprised of a
group of people specified by a certain label. In social identity, people have various classifications
depending on their location, role, gender, career, and job. Social categories have different
features. For instance, they can be described by explicit or implicit membership rules depending
on the individual assigned or not assigned to the social category. In addition, beliefs, physical
attributes, and moral commitments are a set of features of a social category. Physical attributes
such as behaviors expected of various members in certain situations or their roles as a student
can be described to be the content of a social category (Leary & June, 2014).
The social category can also be grouped into type and role identities whereby role
identities will describe the labels given to people who have an obligation of performing some
routines and set of actions in situations. Type identities normally describe identities such as
ethnic, party affiliation and national. It is possible to define role and type identities in relation to
social content and membership rules. Membership rules have social conventions but less formal
in type identities while in role membership they have well-recognized social procedures and are
formal. Membership rules defining an identity of type can have a sense of social category but
share the typical features of members’ category. Also, it is notable that membership rules are
inconsistent and arbitrary. For instance, people can be described to be black even if they have a
descendant who is white. Role identities have a good type of content that is usually related to
them while others have little association (Leary & June, 2014).
There are many definitions that a person can use to describe their personal identity. For
instance, one statement defines personal identity as the identifications and commitments that
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provide the extent which a person can try to determine what is valuable, good, needs to be done
and situations that a person requires to object. This explains a set of moral principles and codes
or goals that people will use to guide their actions. However, explanation of personal identity in
terms of moral commitment and orientation is not enough since there are other things that can be
included (McLean, et al., 2015). Another definition can indicate that it consists of the properties
of a person that cannot be changed without making the subject a different person. This is a
definition from the philosopher's view. However, the view is not fully accepted since a person
can change there and still the same person (Mark, et al., 2014). Personal identity can also be
expressed aspects of oneself that they cannot change and choose in a social category. But it is
evident that personal identity consists of attributes and sets of aspects of a person. They can
goals, desires, moral principles, membership in social categories, personal style, and physical
attributes. Moreover, the person aware of these aspects and attributes fully. Some actions can
violate the identity and therefore they need to be rejected since they will lower the level of
thinking of a person (Leary & June, 2014).
Many philosophers came up with many theories to explain the meaning of identity. For
instance, Harrison White offered a theory of identity as the source of action and situates it in
networks of social relations. He illustrated that identity does not mean the integration and
consciousness personality or the notion of self. However, in his theory, identity is a source of
action that cannot be understood by regularities of biophysical and therefore observers are able to
associate the meaning. Therefore, some observers view the identity to cause a simple
continuation. This kind of identity is socially important since it gives the emergence of social
organization. The meaning of identity can be discussed by the intelligence of observing.

Philosopher Schelling in his explanation of identity highlighted that the question of

oneself arises purely in the act of the self-positing. Therefore, it is more of consciousness due to
the process which is to be grasped from the other side of well rather than the side of the subject
of self-consciousness. He also explained the concept of role in sociology which explicitly
involves the expectation that others have about one’s behavior, as well as one’s expectation
about how other people will act towards them. He, therefore, explained it as convergent
expectations of the same type that are involved in a coordination game. In addition, it is evident
that he highlighted that role identity can be viewed as comparable to important balance in
various problems in coordination (Schwartz, et al., 2011).
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William James was a psychologist and philosopher and he gave a theory aimed at giving
a distinction between the two aspects of identity. Therefore, socio-cognitive sciences, sociology
and their uses of identity, mental representation and self-concepts normally use this distinction.
The status of being oneself represent a continuity of the self that comprises the identity across
time and is related to how individual see an object of reflection and perception, the self and their
self-reference. The social aspect of oneself is a part of self that deals with group identifications
and social roles that will result from the feedback and interaction from others. Therefore, identity
is highly related to the need to belong, be attached and to be part of the society.

J.F Marcia on the other hand mainly explained his concept of four different identity
statuses on the basis of commitment and exploration. He was mainly concerned with the question
of social adjustment in the process of identity. In his theory, the four identity status is identity
diffusion, achievement, foreclosure and delay of an activity whereby both exploration and
commitment of a person are at low-performance level. The main elements of personal identity
are the content of the dimensions such as religious beliefs, gender roles and political preferences,
whereby the values, goals, and beliefs of a person and the measurements of identity status are
based on.

Kernberg focused on the concept of identity by indicating that it provides a psychological

structure that normally determines the dynamic organization of character. The theory lacks some
aspects of identity but mainly deals with an ego identity in which it provides further levels of
identity such as collective identity, personal identity, and social identity. Therefore, ego identity
represents a conscious of the others, self, and the world and also the identification with values,
ideals, social group and cultural values. In addition, he elaborates identity diffusion as
pathological consolation, structural of object relations in the world that is reflected in the concept
of self and others.

2. The Self and the Other

The self and other makes the foundation of the theories of human identity and
consciousness. It claims that the existence of other and not-self leading to the possibility of
recognizing a self. The self and other is an accepted separation among the individuals today since
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one can understand who they are and the other part they are not. The self and other idea represent
a double consciousness which exists within the psychology and identity of a person but it
complicates the boundaries of the self and other. In the research o psychology, the self is viewed
as fundamentally interpersonal that is comprised of a collection of relational selves (Hardcastle,
2008).

The theory of double consciousness has been greatly used to various issues such as race,
class, feminists, and characters. The theory makes sense when one see and recognize another
person is physically and mentally separate and therefore one understands that the separate person
is not the self. Also the other is separate and cannot be controlled physically and mentally.
Although this kind of division is acceptable on the basis of mental and physical, there is a
bidirectional in the relationship between perception and self-perception. A philosopher, Judith
Butler, developed a vulnerability concept that would aid in understanding the way in which the
self and others are vulnerable to the touch and emotional effects of violence by or loss of the
other. Therefore, it is the vulnerability of the self and other that allows for the possibility of the
other self (Hinton, 2016).

Sometimes, a certain result can occur when two or more others come in contact with self.
Therefore, it is possible to analyze the force which can cause a self to identify with or conduct
themselves as other to become related to self and other. For instance, when one enters a room but
instead of noticing the people with same race only, there is recognition of gender, ability, and
variety of other identifiers that normally affects the perception of others (Hardcastle, 2008).
From the studies of psychology on self and other relations indicate that the level of association
does not affect how one sees one’s self in connection with others compared to a group
membership when self-identifies the other in a different group. Furthermore, other-self can be
shown as self-behaving as other. In this condition, the relation does not occur because of a third
person but through the force of an identity element whereby the self sees as a gap between the
self and other. In this case, the self normally behaves in a manner that feels physically and
mentally instead of self-behavior to fill the gap of connection. The way people think others refer
to them plays an important role in the formation of self-concept than other perceptions.
Therefore, people thinking what others think about them make the self-think so much about how
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the other perceives them and hence, causing the self to behave as an other-self (Francesco et al.,
2016).

From the philosophy of Zahavi, he explains that proper understanding of the self can
avoid many of the problems that are related to awareness of selfhood. Therefore, an accurate
description of mental life should include recognition of a dimension of selfhood that is very
important elements of experience itself. There are various components that make up our full and
concrete awareness of ourselves. In addition, he describes that empathy which is understood to
be the direct awareness of the concern of others can describe the difference between self and
other without eliminating it.

There are circumstances under which people are likely to contrast themselves with others
and also there are chances of including others in their self. Self-other differentiation in
psychology has been widespread in that there has a tendency of differentiating in-group from
out-group and self from other in a way that raises the status and protection of self. As noted,
people tend to create a positive self-image and self-concept by means of a self-affirmative
perspective on others and world. There are various aspects of self and other differentiation that
can be highlighted (Hardcastle, 2008). The attribution of otherness to the other, encounter with
the other and the bare recognition without stressing otherness and motivation that attribute of
otherness. Philosopher Hegel claimed that self-consciousness sees itself in the other when there
is an encounter with other. Self-other identification can be interpreted in form of conceptual
organization and simulation of experience. In a simulation, people make predictions and interpret
about others conduct asking themselves certain questions. In addition, conceptual organization of
experience is seen as the influence of our native languages on our ways of experiencing things
(Hardcastle, 2008).

Building an Identity from the inside and outside

Identity can be built from what people define their self or what others see them.
Identities consist of characteristics, traits, social group, roles and social relations that normally
describe who one is. Mostly, identities can be focused on the past, present and futures of a
personal expectation and desires of a person to become and achieve various objectives. An
identity of a person is essential since it assists a person to have a certain attention in a context
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compared to another. Identities make up what is in the mind of a person when one thinks of
himself or herself. Therefore, one’s belief and the personality make up oneself. People can
understand themselves by evaluating their self-feelings, self-images, and senses about their
bodies and sounds. It is evident that to know oneself, there is a lot of experience and a large store
of memories about themselves.

The identity on the inside of a person begins to be built in the mind and it is represented
in the memory. It starts at an early stage in a child. This form of identity build up can be noticed
in a child when you place a mirror in front and apply some marks on the face, you will note that
the child will identify the spots on the face and struggle to remove them. This is clear evidence
that they are able to recognize their real look. Identity usually takes shape as one grows and there
is much that a person learns by interacting with other people. The messages that are informed of
words and action that we learn and take form other usually determines the feeling about us. To
build the right identity in children it is essential for a parent to connect them with the positive
role models. The role models can be respected people in the society such as teachers, religious
leaders, and others, and a child can develop a positive sense by interacting with them. For
instance, some children may believe that some careers are hard to achieve but if they meet a
professional of their desired career they are able to have a positive feeling. Therefore, parents
should try to use various sources of information such as videotapes, magazines, television and
books that educate a child towards positive influence (Riley & White, 2016).

Building an identity in children require a parent to provide opportunities to them of

associating with others and share their background, and build a sense of group identity. The
ability to have contacts with people and families that have similar background enables one to feel
connected with others. For instance, it is essential for a parent who has adopted a child from a
different ethnic background to help him or she finds a way of connecting with others from the
same background. As a result, children are able to understand their history and hence, instill
confidence in them (McLean & Moin, 2015). Helping a child to understand and feel proud of
the background, ethnic and racial identity will build a self-belonging. Sharing stories of the
family’s past will teach a child valuable lessons that about the origin of the family. It is also
possible to take a child in a cultural association or a local museum to learn their own heritage and
other people.
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Sometimes children try to evaluate themselves with others in relation to their look,
families and other children. It is a difficult situation for young people whereby they want to be
like others. However, it is a great effort of encouraging, discussing and supporting them to
ensure they build their identity. When a child is subjected to discrimination, parents need to help
them. It is usually a hard situation for a child and a lot of love and support is required to build
their self-confidence. There are various ways of handling and building the identity of a child
when faced with challenges of discrimination. For instance, it is advisable to listen to a child and
find the cause of the problem and try to talk with a child regarding the feeling. In addition, a
parent can try to make a child understand the unfair treatment and they can also try to highlight
instances of the past to help a child realize the possibility of unjust treatment. The important
solution to the incident is teaching a child strategies for handling similar instances of conflicts
occur. A child needs skills of responding, to the situations and develops a sense of control.

According to the theory of Erik Erikson regarding human development indicates that
identity of a person can be built by passing through various challenges affecting the mind. He
pointed out that many adolescents normally try to emulate and find a new identity which they
normally expect to be accepted. They undergo an extensive struggle before they identify their
real personality and the way they others should perceive them. The ability to identify their
identity helps them to understand themselves better and ensuring that they gain a sense of the
importance of the community.

Identity can be built on the context of social culture. For instance, migration of person
from one place to another can help facilitate in building the identity of a person and other people.
Immigrants leave their country and settle in a place where there is a different culture, social
aspects, and language of the new country. To settle fully in the new location, they have to adopt
the new way of life hence creating a new identity that is different from their previous identity.
The immigration of people leads to the acquisition of a new culture that exposes them to new
practices, institutions and language, and standards of living. All the new elements of culture
construct a new identity that has different values. In addition, an adaptation of the new culture
influences the personal values, mode of dressing and way of expressing.

The identity of a person can be developed by others. The human being has a social sense
that enables people to process social information. The senses are essential in evaluating
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information and feeling about a person. It is possible to express your feeling whether you like,
trust or they attracts you. Therefore, all the information acquired creates consciousness in a
person. How one is viewed by another can help in building the perception of another person. For
instance, there are various questions that can assist in understanding the personality of a person.
The level of awareness of how others view them, the perception of a person compared to others
views and how other people can agree on the personality of an individual are some of the
questions that can assist in determining the personality of a person (McLean & Moin, 2015).

The perception of others normally shapes the identity of a person in various ways. For
instance, the self-esteem of a person will be determined by how others influence their self-
concept. People feel encouraged when their appearance is attractive. The study of psychology
has pointed out that people who are perceived to be attractive are more preferred in social
interaction and activities than less viewed attractive. It clearly indicates that looking great instill
some sense of happiness. Furthermore, it has been noted that giving a person various social
rewards normally improves the identity of that person. For instance, giving someone praise,
affection and respect will add more valuable sense concerning them. Self-esteem of a person can
be built by the things that will promote the perception of being important. A person can be
associated with popular, successful and powerful people and hence, make people perceive
themselves as great and effective in the society (Hinton, 2016)

It is possible to use our perception of others in working towards building a positive

identity that will promote our professional and social life. Knowledge of reputation and identity
normally helps in understanding the perception of people on others. The researchers have found
out that although people view others in various ways, they are aware of how those people
perceive them. The understanding of others can help in improving cooperation, empathy, and
communication. Interacting with other people can help in understanding their perspectives and
develop their self-esteem, build their confidence and promotes their talents. The ability to
understand another person’s identity will help the other self to feel understood and provide
motivation in their life. In industries sector, the perception that is created by other people
regarding their products and services play an essential in the performance of the business. For
instance, if a company has a positive identity many consumers will be interested in using their
services and products.
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Fiction and Reality of the Identity in Cadalso

History of Spain raises a question of its identity. The topic has been whether to regard it
as a European country or a fringe member of the continental club due to its history that is
considered to be a peripheral case. From the view of a foreigner, Spain was a different country
since it had shown its dominant power across Europe at a certain time. Moreover, it had tradition
practices and believes in Catholic churches which they were following; ruled by an emperor and
had was holding principles in philosophical and political matters (Penrose, 2016).

The fiction of the identity in Caldaso is noticeable up to the early 18th century. The
country of Spain did not have any dominant power as it was some years back and the country
was mainly dominated by rulers from other countries such as France and Austria. At this time, it
is evident that the country lacked its identity to rule and govern itself fully. The Spanish
Monarchy was an empire that had ownership in Italy, large areas of America, Philippines, and
Spanish Netherlands. The empire was very strong and had been extending in other parts
surrounding it. The King of Spain, Carlos II, for a long time had been ill and many people were
aware of his condition. Therefore, many European capitals were interested in the empire due to a
vacancy on the Spanish throne after his death. In addition, there was great interest among the
European to have a succession in Spain. Some of the leaders had developed diplomatic initiatives
on the question of the Spanish succession (Pinheiro, 2012).

The succession of the empire led to the signing of the treaty for partitioning it. The death
of Carlos II in 1700 caused the war of Spanish succession to occur at the end of 1702 (Falkner,
2015). At this point, it shows that there were many rulers and states that were interested in
occupying the empire. Therefore, the native citizens did have an identity of their country. France,
England, and the Netherlands were the main claimant for succession. The sharing of the
possessions created a lot of disagreement. In 1708, Louis XIV was seeking to end the war and he
was ready to leave the inheritance of Spain to the House of Habsburg. However, due to demands
from the British, he was not willing to carry on with the negotiations and hence, continuing with
the war. The end of the war resulted to the division of the inheritance of the possession of
Charles II among the powers.
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The awareness of a typical identity of Spanish started during the period of enlightenment.
Those who learned were able to view that in the regime of Europe, the country represented a
negative image. Therefore, the enlightenment issue challenges the liberals who could not view
the negative image of the country as it was propagated by enlightenment writer. Liberals had
already made their conclusions that the real character of Spanish people was there in the Middle
Ages. At this time, the values of co-existence, liberty, and constitutionalism were very clear in
various parts and kingdoms of the country. However, foreign rulers who attacked the country
introduced new reformation to the people and exploited the resources of the kingdoms hence
leading to marginalization of the kingdoms (Álvarez, 2016).

When the war of succession ended, the Bourbons found the country of Spain in a great
level of ignorance and misery. There were very few inhabitants in the Peninsula of Iberian. In
addition, the political power of French increased the monarchic influence, and the ruler was
aiming at centralizing the nation. At this time, regional and local laws were abolished. The ideas
of enlightenment spread in Spain in various ways. For instance, the trip of knowledge and study
that many learners underwent in relation to the customs and life of European spread the
enlightenment ideas in the country. The letters of Jose Cadalso indicates that the identity of
Spain was essential since it had already been subjected to the wills of other nations in Europe.
Therefore, his ideas were useful in creating the identity of the country by enlightenment. In some
of the letters, for instance, Letter XLIX, Gazel reflects on the weakened language of Spain and
therefore there was need of reclaiming the Spanish empire that had fallen down.

Cadalsos Cartas Marruecas

Cartas marruecas also known as Moroccan Letters is a novel that was written by a poet,
colonel of the Royal Spanish Army and an author called Jose Cadalso. It was published in 1784
and it was aimed at criticizing the society during his time using a talented narrative device of the
amazed traveler. The young Gazel is used as a main character in the novel when the author
describes Spain in the 18th century. His representation shows a close relation of young
Maghrebian who has anger, uncertainty, and consternation when he sees his look in the media of
European today. In his text, Cadalso creates tension through differing points of view. He is able
to achieve this by establishing an internal dialogue and a conversation that has characters of the
18th century. In addition, the novel has the work that complements the tradition of the utopian of
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this century. Cartas marruecas has three voices that normally represent the ideological positions
in the society (Cadalso, 2017).

The novel of Jose accepts the fact that it is hard to change the society by using a
humorous tone. In his writing, there is Ben-Beley who is an old wise man who is used to provide
the philosophical view of the situations as they were happening. In addition, Gazel is used as
optimistic young African diplomat who is seen developing a positive attitude in the text. All
these three voices link one another to show a painful ridicule that is meant to criticize and expose
the vices and ideological foundation of Bourbon Spain. In his work, there are various themes
such as truth, moderation, human misery and virtue reflected in the novel. Throughout the novel,
he is able to aspire to better treatment of all rivals in maintaining the scientific spirit of the
enlightenment. Furthermore, the information indicates a great concern of political change,
economic stability, education system, human welfare and industrial growth and development in
Spain (Cadalso, 2017).

The economic analyses of Cartas indicate that there was a long history of abuse and
therefore it was his intention to close the gap between the commerce and conquest used to
differentiate between non-modern and modern practices of the economic expansion. Due to
British and French commercial expansion, there is a noticeable dialogue of ongoing long system
of exploitation during Spanish colonialism. Therefore, the negotiation between the two patterns
of economic experience indicates the risk of abandoning the literary information of Spain that
show conflict with enlightenment political economy as ancient relics that speak to a distant. In
addition, it is evident that the economy was shaped by their position in the midst of economic
gap that started with the Spanish conquest (Cadalso, 2017).

Cartas marruecas has a role of giving evidence to the influence of America in informing
and conditioning an arrangement of conversation in Enlightenment of Spain. Moreover, it will
show how America developed an essential part of the negotiation of a modern national identity
of Spain. It also shows an example of a sad part of the way imperial experience could interfere
with reception and passion of the Spanish author’s towards the intellectual, philosophical,
continental and economic trends. Continental developments made Cadalso see the economic
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changes as a more complex interaction between the local and global, past and present (Cadalso,
2017).

Jose Cadalso wrote various letters in his novel. One of it is how he contemplates
Moroccan visitors in Spain and the conversation of Gazel and Ben-Beley show discoveries that
will teach them a form of cultural relativity and allow readers to view their everyday life in a
new light. In this first letter, Gazel says that his intention is to travel with purpose but it cannot
be possible when he accompanied by Africans and Asians. His claims suggest that they have
ignorance of languages, lack history; they are not concerned about the future and hence prevent
them from meeting many things that can be experienced by a lone traveler. Moreover, he has an
interest in being taught by Nuno Nunez who was a staunch Christian about various issues. He is
optimistic about learning the customs of the people living in that province. He notes great
differences between Europeans countries and therefore, judging one another would be unfair. For
instance, in his visit, he understands that there is uniform among the Europeans in armies, walks,
theatres and luxury but they do not seem to be close to each other. Their virtues, vices, and
government seem to be different and every nation has its own custom.

Another cartas indicates there was a need to influence and enlighten the intellectual and
academic society. There was the need for unity and therefore, it was calling out the hardworking
and active members of every nation to work together and build the nation. It represented by the
way astronomers from different countries unite when observing the transit of the sun and hence,
it is also possible for people to combine their efforts to build and develop a country. In letter
XLII of can also relates to the image of the teacher as being inept in the guidance of youth. Nuno
investigates the education of Gazel from Ben-Beley by saying that Gazel’s has an uncultivated
understanding of the sciences although his heart is inclined towards good. In this letter, the writer
intends to show the important virtue he had for him and therefore there was a need to develop a
sense of civic duty among the youth to the fatherland. The expression tries to criticize the
teachers and the students in Europe as the expression tends to reveal that the education from
African teachers is much better than European tutors (Cadalso, 2017).

Letter VII indicates that some people in the social class are lacking education and Nuno
is seen to regret the situation. He reveals that there are young people who are very intelligent,
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lively, have a pleasant voice and they qualify to become perfect speaker. However, there are no
teachers to teach them the art through study. Therefore, it is evident that teachers are the source
of the downfall of young and clever generation. The letter indicates a strong piece of social
criticism since there is a lot of failure in educating the youth.

In letter XXI, the author indicates a conflict of the introduction of a new form of dresses
in the country by foreigners. The response from one of the character reveals that the suits were
not from the either ancient or modern Spain but absolutely foreign to the state. From their point
of view, they don’t like the cloths and its introduction would lead decadency of Spanish society.
In his description, there is a representation of flop man who portrays sloth-like manners hence
leading to the destruction of the social and moral of the society. The flop man is elegant, loves
fashion and like following the new trends. The main point of the letter is that failure of both
moral and civic occurs during the time when the boys are being raised. Therefore, the family and
society have key roles in teaching their children good morals and to avoid unfavorable characters
such as laziness, greed, vain and capricious conditions in their life. The upbringing of well-
behaved person will be useful to the society.

The presentation and analyses of Identity of the Enlightenment

The letters of Jose’ de Cadalso indicates various questions that relate to national, social,
personal and cultural identity. The author presents a satire in his philosophical debates that are
more sarcastic towards the light-hearted appearances that are opposed to well-educated people.
In the letters, there are severe criticisms of characters of experiencing hardship but they are not
complaining. Consequently, the condition was replaced by a humorous parody of social
conditions, lighthearted and daily customs. The author presents a way of educating elite in Spain
who was idle to ensure that they can be successful manners that were imposed on the
community. Throughout the text, the author uses various styles and topics such as satire,
political, humorous and philosophical aspects to explore the ability of people to survive in
countries that are ruled using logic laws (Seth, 2017).

The attitude of enlightenment that spread through the society created criticism about the
issues of heart and mind. In addition, there are concerns about the complexity of Spain in this
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century and the implication of psychology in enlightenment. Therefore the letters present a great
idea that will aid in moving a more positive future. In Spain, it is evident that there was the
adoption of new culture from other foreign nations as the century was progressing. For instance,
most of the middle-class people in the country as seen to criticize the upper-class members for
everything and anything new that was from other countries. In the letters of Jose’, he captures the
conditions when asks the strategy that a rich and powerful man in that century could spend their
wealth. It shows that the person will use many products such as foreign drinks, meals, clothes,
music, and dances (Maureen, 2012).

The introduction of different attitudes concerning the socially accepted conducts was
essential in reshaping the society of Spain. Within the century, it was very hard for foreigners to
occupy, penetrate the home of the communities and their cultural aspects to be accepted.
However, the new-classical precepts that were imported from countries like France were slowly
influencing the work in Spanish such as theatre. A powerful middle-class was developing as a
result of support from the church, theatre, and court. All outlets of the new culture were
addressed to the audience of new middle class in form of dances and public performances. The
new culture introduced resulted to nationalism that took the reaction to the sudden change of
culture that led to the existence of a new succession. It is notable the society in Spain changed
their attitudes towards their daily life (Seth, 2017).

Jose` Cadalso ability to understand the nation of Spain enable him to reject the views
presented by Montesquieu’s by presenting his letters that expressed various views in France of
Spain. Moreover, he is determined to protect the virtues of the country since he highlights many
important aspects of the society. Values such as courage and brave were to be used with justice
and enlightenment values of impartiality through allocating to the people the obligation of the
future’s nation. Cadalso is seen to overcome some of the tensions in his work by requesting all
citizens to patriotism and virtuousness to promote development and growth of the nation
(Cadalso, 2017).
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Perspective in Cadalso’s letters.

Jose Cadalso wrote the Cartas marruecas with the main goal of creating enlightenment in
Spain. The point of view in the texts was to describe the meaning of Spain to create awareness to
people (Seth, 2017). In his text particularly letter XLI, Gazel finds the document written by Nuno
which was about the heroic history of Spain. The document indicates that during that time the
country had great men had succeeded and inspired many people but the situation was not the
same at this time. The author, therefore, was intending to motivate people to be patriotic to the
country. The letter meant to show people. He applies the ideas from Montesquieu about the spirit
of the nation to seek the historical definitions for Spain’s greatness (Oleson, 2014). It is notable
that Gazel really wonders the difference between European nations and Spain because it seemed
that there was a little unique character of the country that would differentiate them. Jose’ clearly
indicates that a strong nation is built by various chapters of the history. However, the current
situation indicates that the history of the country has been forgotten by many people. In addition,
he is seen to criticize the position of Spain that represents part of Europe that is inefficient and
hence, there is a need for enlightenment. To have a successful enlightenment, every country
needs to follow its regulations and have a social and political model that will enable it to achieve
its development (Kitts, 2011).

The letters indicate that many nations used to fight each. Moreover, it is understood that
each state has its strength which was spearheading its success. Some states were a loyal, patriotic
and strong army. In Spain, Jose’ indicates that the greatness of the country will come out during
the time of war. In his letters, it is evident that there were heroes who had made a certain age of
the country to be proud. However, to regain and maintain the status the country must have a
continuity of generation as Gazel indicates that some foreign countries like Austria will be ready
to spend the talents and treasures of people of Spain. Cadalso uses Cortes as a representation of
greatness of Spain following his achievements and his patriotism for sacrificing himself for the
sake of the nation. In addition, he showed courageousness and humanity and therefore, Cadalso
concludes that the greatness of Spain can be rebuilt by having enlightenment spirit of
impartiality, toleration, and humanity (Alegre, 2015).
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The letters indicate that people need to be brave, impartial and readiness to fight for their
country. The spirit will promote patriotism in the country. Looking at some of the letters where
Ben-Beley is having a conversation with Gazel about desiring for glory and emulating the
heroes. The kind of desire should be accepted by other people and be a source of relief in that it
will console the future generation. The response of Gazel clearly indicates that many people
don’t care much about the future of their country. This group of people normally takes individual
interests more than the country by caring about modern trends and judgments.

Cartas marruecas shows many interpretations through the styles, tension, and mood
experienced in the 18th century. He creates tension from a differing point of view by using both
internal dialogue and dialogue using characters in this century. Cartas reflects several important
themes such as truth, human misery, virtue, and moderation. Using these subjects, Cadalso is
able to aspire for impartiality in keeping the scientific spirit of the enlightenment. In his text, he
has great concern for the country that indicates high interest for the needs of the country. It
reveals his patriotism and aims for the industrial progress, social and political reform, education
system, economic stability and welfare of people (Cadalso, 2017).

Moroccan letters are the viewpoint of criticizing the society of his time by using the
narrative of the amazed foreign traveler. In the 18th century, he indicates how young Gazel was
amazed about whether there is an existence of a difference between Spain and other European
nations. This representation is much similar in our current life whereby there are a lot of
impression of consternation, anger, and uncertainty among the Arabs. There seems to be a great
difference that exists in cases of terrorism, immigration, corruption, and fundamentalism in the
reflection of the media. Cadalso’s letter is important in expressing the perception of societies
over the other. The West countries imaginary about the Muslims and Arabs have been related
with leaders, who are very corrupt, the existence of heartless terrorist, uncultured immigration,
and fanatical fundamentalist. Due to an occurrence of natural disasters such as floods,
earthquakes, war, and famine, people including children from these countries have been
migrating to other western nations. Their acceptance has indicated a positive attitude (Kitts,
2011).
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Conclusion

Every person has a unique identity that is different from another person. Everything that
we view, do and say comes through the concept our understanding. The identity of a person
defines the experience and reaction and therefore our identity and the way we acknowledge our
self is very important. It is hard to be like another person and no matter hard one can try to copy
them, it cannot work out well. We should love ourselves regardless of our ethnic background,
race, gender and location. People who normally try to emulate other lose their identity but trying
to fit in another group that behave differently. Everyone should try to find means of building and
improving their own identity to be better people that will facilitate the growth and development
of the country. Our perception is different from what others perceive us.

Jose Cadalso is an example of enlightened people in Spain who noted that the country
had lost her identity. Therefore, it was essential to find means of recovering the identity of
people and the country by writing letters that would inform and criticize the societies to realize
the need of identity. Throughout this text, he aims at creating awareness of the condition of Spain
to instill the spirit of enlightenment in the country. The idea of enlightenment is important as it
facilitated the development and growth of the country. In addition, creation of awareness
increased and regained the identity of the country which had been lost
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