Renaissance, Origin of Modern Times
Modern times originated in Italy in the 14th century during the period known as the Renaissance. A rich development of Western civilization marking the transition from the Middle Ages, the Renaissance refers to a "rebirth," or rediscovery, by scholars (humanists) of Greco-Roman culture. The period prior to the Renaissance, the High Middle Ages, was marked by relative political stability, economic expansion, wide contact with other cultures, and a flourishing urban civilization. However, the High Middle Ages served only to establish the foundations for change and to develop the background for the new view of the world. The Italian Renaissance was a distinct period in time, noted for ushering in the modern civilization, characterized by the alteration of the political, economic, and social status. Renaissance civilization revamped the political scene from the Middle Ages into the modern age. The "despotism created during the Renaissance bestowed incomparable unity and power upon Europe through the individual" (Burckhardt, 509). Leaders such as Viconti displayed tremendous strength and vitality. During the 14th century, people no longer received and respected the Emperors as feudal lords, but as "possible leaders and suppor
It was the upbringing of humanism - "this unfolding of the treasures of human nature in art and literature" (Burckhardt, 508) which encompassed individuality. The contribution of Italian humanism to literature and scholarship made an impact which has remained in all regions of European civilization until the twentieth century (Palmer, 59). W.K. Ferguson comments that at the time of the Renaissance there was "the appearance of a growing class of urban laymen had the leisure and means to secure a liberal education and to take an active part in every form of intellectual and aesthetic culture" (555). To learn and appreciate culture showed the new concept that life was worthwhile to its own sake and not used for sheer preparation there after. People wished and were forced "to know all the inward resources of their own nature, passing or permanent; and their enjoyment of life was enhanced and concentrated by the desire to obtain the greatest satisfaction from a possibly very brief period of influence" (Burckhardt, 508). In accordance with Burckhardt, individualism inspired many people to achieve all that they could in their lifetimes - a very modern belief today where the sky is the limit. Another distinct characteristic of the Renaissance present in today's society is a strong emphasis on individuality. During the Middle Ages the common man was marked by "faith, illusion, and childish prepossession" (Burckhardt, 508). Men viewed themselves only as a member of some general category - race, people, party, family, or cooperation (Burckhardt, 508). In earlier times, the development of free personality could not be detected in Northern Europe; however, with the onset of the Renaissance, "man became a spiritual individual" (Burckhardt, 508). Toward the close of the 13th century Italy was overwhelmed with individuality, a recurring theme of today's society. The time period was characterized by a movement in which human values and capabilities were the central focus known as humanism. Individua
Some common words found in the essay are:
Wallace Ferguson, Middle Ages, WK Ferguson, Northern Europe, Athens Rome, Leaders Viconti, Aristotle Roman, Renaissance Renaissance, Italian Renaissance, Isaiah Berlin, middle ages, burckhardt 508, money economy, economic social, today's society, 14th century, modern times, renaissance civilization, ferguson 554, agrarian feudal society, greco-roman culture, urban economic social, character urban economic, changes character urban, economic social organizations,
Approximate Word count = 1356
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
|
