Evolution of an Individual's Role in Society During the Renaissance.

Throughout time an individual’s role in which he fits into society has changed. One of the most noticeable changes in an individual’s role in society occurred during the Italian Renaissance during the 14th and 15th centuries with the introduction of Humanism. Humanism gave birth to the concept of individuality a notion which is still alive today. It said that humans mattered and that now mattered, that one should not be part of a whole but rather someone that is unique. Before Humanism people only thought of the afterlife, of whether they were going to heaven or hell, but with the introduction of Humanism people became more involved in the present, rather than just thinking of what happened after you died. Humanism transformed individual’s role in society by encouraging education in humanity, a well rounded individual, personal virtue and enhancing art. The roles of individuals were exceedingly swayed by the advancements in education. Individuals were encouraged to learn poetry, history and politics. That these should not be only learned for their own sake, but also to improve oneself. That to only do the necessary to go to heaven was not enough, they had to do their very best in their everyday lives. Humanism advocated a well rounded individual. Vittorino da Feltre would not only make his students read, but he would also make them do vigorous physical exercise and games. Another educator, Guarino da Verona encouraged the study of classical languages. Before the "rebirth" , the dark ages put a stop to all previous knowledge and art. The church had total control over all of the manors in Europe. The landlords were so afraid to be excommunicated from the church, that they did whatever they had to to remain on the good side of the Pope. They forced the peasants,which were 90% of all people living during the middle ages, to farmland and were under total control of the kings. The whole reason for the Feudal system was security. Everyone was so scared of doing things on...