Unmündigkeit

"Unmündigkeit ist das Unvermögen, sich seines Verstandes ohne Leitung eines anderen zu bedienen."
(Immaturity is the inability to use one's own reason without the guidance of others)

"Satzungen und Formeln, diese mechanischen Werkzeuge eines vernünftigen Gebrauchs oder vielmehr Mißbrauchs seiner Naturgaben, sind die Fußschellen einer immerwährenden Unmündigkeit." (Kant, Was ist Aufklärung?)
(Rules and formulas, those mechanical aids to the rational use, or rather misuse, of his natural gifts, are the shackles of a permanent immaturity.)

This essay, and especially these quotes hit me really hard. Many different applications came to mind, and although I know there is a specific historical context, I think it is important to apply truth to ourselves.
To me, these ideas are equivalent to what God says in Hebrews 8: 10-11:
"For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their chearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:
And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest."
When we are spiritually mature enough to rely on revelation and experience we become more independent and more mature. This does not mean prophets become obsolete; not at all. It means that we are better able to use the tools God has given us to make the decisions which will result in the greatest happiness. Personally, I see that I must improve greatly in this area for I often try to pry advice and guidance out of others when I myself am in the best position to make such decisions. There is a balance however. There are times when it is wisdom to listen to others who may know more than us. Ultimately, though, we are responsible.