There is no measure. The path to enlightenment is full of ups and downs through countless lives. People approaching enlightenment demnstrate compliance with the Eighfold Path without forcing themselves. Even people wo strive mightliy towards perfecton may be saying to themselves "Ain't I great at how I'm doing this" but this may lead them further from Nirvana than towards it.
I'd just like to add, in some schools of Tibetan Buddhism there are teachings, some contained in widely published texts, which set out the state of one's development set against the goal of full liberation. I'm not a student of Lam Rim so can't comment on this system but take a look at some of the work of Gampopa or Asanga; you will see some clear pointers as to where any being may be on the path. Some of the esoteric transmissions are hidden, in that their full meaning may be obscured from people not at the appropraite level of development but many of the signposts are there in black and white.
Buddhism is concerned with your own progress towards enlightenment, not your judgement of the progress of others.
Buddha is not a god, he is a man. Buddha indicated thet gods are not eseential to enlightenment. Buddhism discounts the impact or need of gods in mankinds progress towards enlightenment. Each person is responsible for his own progress.
Buddha rejected the idea of the caste system and the influence of gods in man's progress towards enlightenment.
BUddhism does not utilize adeity in its system of progress towards enlightenment and Nirvana. No gods, no prophets, no salvation, no damnation.
Yes, most Enlightenment philosophers believed in progress for society. They emphasized reason, science, and individual rights as vehicles for societal advancement and improvement. They sought to challenge traditional authority and promote the idea that human society could continually progress and evolve towards a more enlightened and rational state.
The central concepts of the Enlightenment included reason, science, individualism, and skepticism towards traditional authority, such as the church and absolute monarchies. Enlightenment thinkers believed in the power of human reason to improve society, promote progress, and challenge superstition and ignorance.
Enlightenment thinkers stressed the importance of reason, individualism, skepticism towards authority, and the belief in progress through science and education. They advocated for freedom of thought, speech, and expression as essential for societal advancement.
It was called the Age of Enlightenment because during this period, there was a movement of intellectuals and philosophers who believed in the power of reason, science, and individual rights to advance society towards progress and away from ignorance and superstition. This emphasis on reason and knowledge "enlightened" the minds of people and encouraged critical thinking and skepticism towards traditional authority.
Romantics felt that Enlightenment thought was overly rational, emphasizing reason at the expense of emotions, intuition, and individuality. They believed that the Enlightenment's focus on progress, science, and industrialization led to soulless societies that neglected the importance of nature, beauty, and human emotions. Romantics also criticized the detachment from nature and the shift towards materialism that they associated with Enlightenment ideals.
The economic philosophers viewed progress in 1700's as having ushered in the Age of Enlightenment.
During the Age of Enlightenment, people believed in the power of human reason, progress, individual freedom, and the importance of scientific inquiry. They also emphasized tolerance, equality, and rights for all individuals. The era saw a shift towards secularism and questioning traditional authority.
In the anthem "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," the line "Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord" reflects a sense of divine inspiration and progress towards a higher state of being, mirroring Enlightenment ideals of progress through reason and faith. In "La Marseillaise," the line "To arms, citizens!" reflects a call to action and civic duty, echoing Enlightenment values of individual rights and the power of the people through collective action.