A Renaissance man "is a cultured man who is knowledgeable,educated, or proficient in a wide range of fields". An example of a Renaissance man would be Leonardo da Vinci. Not only was he a master artist, he painted the Mona Lisa, but da Vinci was also designed flying machines, architecture, studied anatomy, and sang. He was only one of the many Renaissance men who spent their lives mastering a variety of subjects. Michelangelo, Raphael, and Dante are a few examples. The ideal Renaissance man would posses curiosity for the world around him, this would compel him to try new subjects. He would be disciplined and dedicate his time to mastering the skill. Yet he would also be creative in looking at problems from different angles. Designing, painting, and writing all take creativity. Finally, a Renaissance man would be interested in humanism not only religion. Instead of only focusing on God like they did in the Middle Ages, a Renaissance Man would care about human achievement. That would drive him to master the variety of subjects. His devotion to learning would reflect people and the world around him.
Renaissance men did not emerge until the 1500s because of the mindset and conditions during the Middle Ages. Disease, warfare, and anarchy were widely prevalent, so people put their faith in God that life would be better after death. The Church had a huge impact on everyone's daily lives. It presided over births, deaths, and marriages Monasteries were the only centers of enlightenment; often monks were the only people who could read. During the Renaissance Church still played a role in people's lives but there was a shift called humanism. This focused on personal achievements and the tangible world. Old texts that the monks had preserved from Greek and Roman times were read again. It was a revival of the classics. With trade and city-states there was enough money to pay artists, philosophers, and poets. Trade with the Middle East brought in new information on technology and science. With money and education it was possible to be a Renaissance man.
Renaissance men did not emerge until the 1500s because of the mindset and conditions during the Middle Ages. Disease, warfare, and anarchy were widely prevalent, so people put their faith in God that life would be better after death. The Church had a huge impact on everyone's daily lives. It presided over births, deaths, and marriages Monasteries were the only centers of enlightenment; often monks were the only people who could read. During the Renaissance Church still played a role in people's lives but there was a shift called humanism. This focused on personal achievements and the tangible world. Old texts that the monks had preserved from Greek and Roman times were read again. It was a revival of the classics. With trade and city-states there was enough money to pay artists, philosophers, and poets. Trade with the Middle East brought in new information on technology and science. With money and education it was possible to be a Renaissance man.
No comments:
Post a Comment