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Historical Significance: the Renaissance

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The Evolution and Historical Significance of the Renaissance

Where do we owe our modern approach to thought, identity, religion and science? One could explain it through evolution of thought process and knowledge, but then again, when were people inspired to think in that type of manner? It can be traced back to an age of enlightenment we know as the Renaissance. Although this period in our history is generally thought of as a reformation in how we as people look at the world around us, it was inspired by the classics of Greece and Rome. With this new found interest in classical writings, values, and art, humans crawled out of the “Dark Ages” and in into the age of “rebirth”, forever impacting the way think and perceive the world around us.

Northern Italy can be looked upon as the father of modern history; however, it was Northern Italy’s grand-father, Greece and Rome that inspired this modernization of the world. Italy is full of Roman architecture and art; it was this influence, combined with a spike in common wealth that began the first break from medieval logic. Individual city states began flourishing, taking politics into their own hands. Influenced by an increasing number of wealthy businessmen, people began to dismiss the old fire and brimstone ideas of medieval rule and began to center on one’s self. This promotion of “self” compelled people to explore their individual talents and glorify intelligence rather than oppress it. For the first time in centuries, creative arts were encouraged and those who possessed the talent were highly sought after.

Religion, while not completely phased out of daily life, was taken into consideration, but people’s lives did not revolve around it like in medieval times. Instead, a typical Renaissance era citizen was involved in every aspect life not letting their spirituality hold them back. Of course, in order to

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