I completely agree but it seems to me the Enlightenment was just a brief window in time, a temporary state and we are simply returning to the equilibrium of a top down, clergy like class that tells the masses what to believe. That is what the masses want and it is especially true that in a democracy the masses get what they want.

I think that is why the word dare is included in that quote. It is not the normal state of things so to use your own reason is a daring act.