Here, the author identifies and critically examines the enduring “birthmarks”—the core principles and practices—of Enlightenment society that have left an indelible imprint on modern educational systems. The chapter explores how totalized paternalistic attitudes and coercive educational strategies, originally justified by a belief in the superiority of reason, continue to shape societal norms and the distribution of power. It challenges the assumption that state-directed education is inherently beneficial, setting the stage for alternative approaches that prioritize individual dignity and self-determination.