The Russian Enlightenment was an intellectual movement in the 18th century that emphasized reason, science, and individual rights. Influenced by the broader European Enlightenment, it sought to modernize Russian society through education and reform. Key figures included Mikhail Lomonosov, a scientist and poet, and Grigory Potemkin, who promoted cultural advancements. During this period, the Russian government began to adopt Western ideas, leading to significant changes in literature, philosophy, and politics. The movement laid the groundwork for future reforms and the eventual emergence of Russian literature, with writers like Alexander Pushkin drawing inspiration from Enlightenment principles.