How The Renaissance Changed The Man's View of Man and The World

Introduction

During the Middle Ages, the Renaissance changed man's view of himself and the world. The Middle Ages lasted from the fall of Rome to at least the 14th century. At this time, the Catholic Church was the dominant force in Europe, and most people were unable to read and write. It was the monks in the monasteries and the Pope who regulated learning, focusing a great deal on sin, death, and man's weaknesses. This perspective changed with the Renaissance, as the view of the future became more optimistic. That transition can be seen in how people of the Renaissance embraced the environment, the individual, and the justification. What most influenced the Renaissance was the emphasis on art, literature, astronomy, and anatomy.

The Transformation through Art

Man's view of himself was significantly modified due to the emergence of a modern style of art. The painting 'Madonna Enthroned Between Two Angels' by Duccio di Buoninsegna was created to fulfill the religious expectations of the Church. In contrast, 'Mona Lisa' by Leonardo Da Vinci introduced a new form of art that depicted landscapes and three-dimensional figures, showcasing a human being in a more realistic and humanistic light. This shift in artistic style allowed people to appreciate human beauty and complexity in ways not previously explored.

Literature's Role in Changing Perspectives

Man's view of himself also evolved through literature during the Renaissance. For example, in the play 'Hamlet,' William Shakespeare wrote, "In apprehension, how like a god!" This reflects the Renaissance belief that humans were god-like beings or works of art. People began to see themselves as beautiful and worthy of admiration. In 'Everyman,' the author wrote, "Ye [man] think that the beginning of sin is absolutely good." This contrasted with the Middle Ages' perception of humans as sinners created by God. Literature thus played a crucial role in transforming the perception of man by convincing people of their magnificence and god-like qualities.

Astronomy and the Challenge to Traditional Beliefs

During the Renaissance, man's view of himself was further transformed by advancements in astronomy. Copernicus' theory of the 'Heliocentric World' questioned the Middle Ages' concept of a geocentric universe, which suggested that the planets and the sun revolved around the earth. The heliocentric model, which proposed that the earth revolved around the sun, challenged the Church's teachings. In the Middle Ages, questioning the geocentric world could mean death. However, the Church eventually had to acknowledge its errors. This shift in understanding reduced the Church's grip on intellectual and scientific inquiry.

The Impact of Anatomy on Self-Perception

Another significant change in man's self-view came from advancements in anatomy. Vesalius learned about the human body through dissection, moving away from reliance on outdated and inaccurate sketches. This marked a departure from biblical knowledge, which was more dependent on faith than reason. The exploration of human anatomy allowed for a more profound understanding of the human form, fostering a sense of wonder and respect for the intricacies of the human body.

Conclusion

Man's understanding of himself has been reshaped through art, literature, anatomy, and astronomy. While people have the right to believe what they want, embracing new ideas can be challenging, especially when longstanding beliefs are deeply ingrained. Yet, during the Renaissance, the Church's influence on personal beliefs was challenged, allowing for a broader exploration of human potential. Man was no longer seen merely as a sinful being destined for dust but as a creature with a brain and immense potential.

References

• Shakespeare, W. (1603). Hamlet.
• Copernicus, N. (1543). On the Revolutions of the Celestial Spheres.
• Vesalius, A. (1543). De humani corporis fabrica.
• Da Vinci, L. (1503-1506). Mona Lisa.