b118th

__//**Baron d'Holbach**//__

In 1770, Baron Paul d’Holbach published his //System of Nature// that described how humanity was determined by external forces. He thought that God, immortality of the soul and the idea of free will were ridiculous myths that were just made up to give some motivation for people in their lives. D’Holbach’s atheistic views shocked deists and other enlightenment thinkers when they read the //System of Nature//. It surprised them because enlightenment thinkers were strong believers in progress in the human mind. Deists such as Voltaire were alarmed because they believed in God. D’Holbach’s thoughts introduced a new but dark perspective for life McKay, John P, et al. __A History of Western Societies__. Boston, Massachusetts. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2003. “paul d’holbach.” Online. Internet. Google.