BR17 RENAISSANCE: A REBIRTH OF THINKING
The word Renaissance (REN us sahns) comes from a French word meaning
“rebirth.” It is the time in Europe from the 1300s to the late 1500s. This was a
time of the rebirth of ancient Roman ideas. It was also a time of new ideas.
The invention of the printing press was crucial in spreading Renaissance
ideas. The new movable type press was first used in Europe in 1455. Before then
most books had been copied by hand. Some were printed from carved wooden
blocks. The new press made it possible to print books quickly and cheaply. Books
and pamphlets became more available to everyone. More people knew how to read
than ever before.
Renaissance people began to think learning was important. Wealthy people
and artists explored new ideas. Scientists studied medicine and physics. They
studies mathematics. They made new discoveries. Humanists had ideas about how
to solve society‘s problems. They had ideas about how to care for fellow human
beings.
The Renaissance had another side too. Some people studied magic and
astrology. Some people were punished for being witches. Some said society was
evil and corrupt. Others wanted governments to be fairer. Others protested the
church. They said its leaders were concerned more with money and power than
with religion. This was the dark side of the Renaissance.
The end of the Renaissance did not come at any one point. It ended at
different times in different countries. It ended when political and church leaders
no longer supported the new ideas. It ended when those in power feared that new
learning would lead to dangerous thinking.