The rapid spread of Enlightenment ideas in the 18th century was facilitated by several factors, including the invention of the printing press, which made literature and philosophical texts accessible to a broader audience. Coffeehouses and salons emerged as popular venues for intellectual discourse, allowing Enlightenment thinkers to share and debate ideas publicly. Additionally, the rise of new scientific methodologies and empirical reasoning encouraged a questioning of traditional authority, fostering a culture of critical thinking. As these ideas circulated through pamphlets, books, and discussions, they laid the groundwork for revolutions and social reforms, influencing political thought and individual rights around the globe.