The Impact of the Renaissance: Discovery of Man

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The Impact of the Renaissance: Discovery of Man

Throughout history, the time period in which the Renaissance took place has forever been known as the time that changed mankind’s way of thinking and discovery. It was a time where politics, intellect, art, economics, and religion all changed in a way that would forever revolutionize the world and civilization into new cultures and beliefs. The actual term “renaissance” means by definition to be reborn, a rebirth, or a renewing. This is just an implication proving and providing information that verifies the changes that took place at the end of the middle ages as society was born again into a realm of knowledge and new beginnings.

If it was not for the Renaissance the new world may have never been found until hundreds of years later which would have completely changed the course of history. However, with the findings and exploration of the new world, the political impact during this period let to colonies and new markets. This however led to the development of powerful nation-states in Western Europe that are still in existence today which are known as Spain, Portugal, France, England, and the Netherlands.

The Renaissance also had a huge impact on the intellectual world, which came about in three forms known as humanism, secularism, and the printing press. Humanism was a focus on human potential and achievements and led to a revival of Roman and Greek art and literature, which led people away from God and they became more interested in themselves. The concept of secularism was less focused on religion and more focused on earthly things and beings where we can achieve the same things in this life that can be rewarded with in heaven. Secularism brought out the idea that man is ...

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...tent literary, and the ideas in Europe that coincided with rediscovery of Roman and Greek culture. If it were not for the events that took place during the Renaissance, politics, intellect, art, economics, and religion may have never evolved into what know today. The discovery of man and life will forever evolve, but if were not for these great men during this time we could all possibly still be stuck in Europe participating in the practices before these findings and discoveries. In the words of Petrarch, “But in this middle age time’s dregs sweep around us, and we beneath a heavy load a vice. Geniuses, virtue, glory now have gone, leaving chance and sloth to rule. Shameful vision this! We must awake or die!” If there were anything this man could say about the events that have taken place from then until now, surely he could proclaim that clearly, we have awaken.

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