The Renaissance
Kukeng'A Kamau 3rd Period
What was the change?
Before, during the dark ages, the only things that were important were The Church and survival. Due to this main focus, education was left to die with the past, for the exception of the Catholic Church officials who lead people on their sacraments. The gradual change into the renaissance is individualism and the revival of knowledge and learning. People are thinking for themselves and and questioning what always lead their lives, most specifically the Church. They see flaws that make the Church so corrupted. People are beginning to build life on their own terms through writing and art. They actually take on an education that they wish to pursue. There's social mobility now as well, the gap between the wealthy and poor isn't so noticeable.
Who was involved in the change?
Erasmus
Mostly known for his books in which he criticizes the Catholic Church, he iterates the notion tat you do not need the church to interpret the bible for you. You can read it in vernacular and have your faith come naturally instead of it being forced upon you as it was in the Dark Ages. The isn't the highest authority, it's the God's word (bible) and God himself. This gave people the courage to have individual thought and not rely on the Church 100%.
Johannes Gutenburg
Although he did not create the printing press, he greatly improved it. This leap in book making made it more available and cheaper for those who desired pieces of literature, and at this time, it was the bible. The bible was the first mass produced product of this improved system. This gave people the chance to interpret their beliefs through their hearts. As Erasmus gave people mental power, Gutenburg gave tactile power.
How did the change impact society at the time?
This change caused people to be more aware of their surroundings. With the help of the earlier mentioned printing press, information spread cheaply and quickly, making it easier for the self-awareness to occur. People had the state of mind to question the political and religious standards set against them. They were able to freely express themselves through multiple outlets and think what they believed was right.
How does that change impact modern society?
The change in the Renaissance is evident today in the way most people live their lives. People have the mental strength to think for themselves and believe what they wish, giving us personality and independent thought. As shown in America's government, freedom and individual thought is encouraged with some restrictions. There are many people and cultures and ways of life compared to the Dark Ages where everyone agreed to one way of life and devoted themselves to the church. Nowadays, there are mosques, temple, and churches. There are multiple pathways to go about life and one doesn't have to devote themselves unless that is their decision.