The enlightenment was a cause for concern in France and in Spain because it brought about changes with the people, they wanted to establish a new government because the idea that life would be better if things would change became a reality. Intellectually, the Age of Enlightenment reached Spain in crippling form about 1750. Attention focused on medicine and physics, with some philosophy. French and Italian visitors were influential, but there was little challenge to Catholicism or the Church such as characterized the French philosophers. A leading Spanish figure was Benito Feijóo (1676-1764) a Benedictine monk and professor. He was a successful advocate noted for encouraging scientific and observational thought in an effort to disparage myths
