This article is a review of the book "Sivistyksen voimalla" ("The Power of Enlightenment") by the Finnish historian Raimo Savolainen, an Associate Professor of the Political History department at the University of Helsinki. "Sivistyksen voimalla" tells the story of Johan Vilhelm Snellman, a famous Finnish politician and philosopher of 19th century, through an account of his life and works.