RENAISSANCE

The Renaissance was essentially a European movement that originated in Italy and then
spread gradually to other countries of western and northern Europe like Germany, France,
and England. It was a glorious age in which men of genius like Shakespeare, Spenser, Bacon,
Marlowe contributed a lot in English literature.
One of the main features and characteristics of the Renaissance is the strong interest
of the people to learn, to invent, to explore, and to create. The people believed in the power of
knowledge and celebrated the idea that the humans are capable of achieving great things,
mainly because of their nature, psychology, intellect, potential, and determination, as well as
their identity, self-worth, individuality, independence, self-reliance, and freedom; thus, the
Renaissance also marked the rise of Humanism and Individualism.
Science, philosophy, and art rose to prominence, which heavily impacted the socio-
economic, political, and cultural climate of Europe and the world; in fact, the word
Renaissance is of French origin and literally translates to "rebirth. "The Renaissance was
essentially a period of social, cultural, economic, and political rebirth. The people showed a
renewed interest in Ancient Greece and Rome, and many literary and artistic works explored
more realistic and classic themes, which focused primarily on the people and their
philosophies, thoughts, and emotions. Religion was still a powerful and authoritative
institution; however, some began to question their beliefs and to open their minds to new
ideas and opinions, thus promoting skepticism and secular thought.

ENLIGHTENMENT
The Enlightenment was a philosophical movement that dominated Europe in the middle of
the century. 17 and the beginning of the 18th century, gradually developing. It centered
around the idea that reason is the main source of authority and legitimacy and supported
ideals such as freedom, progress, tolerance, fraternity, constitutional government, and the
separation of church and state.
The writings of intellectuals, such as René Descartes, Baruch Spinoza and Isaac
Newton, were particularly important in the birth of the Enlightenment.
The essential elements of Enlightenment thinking were the use and celebration of
reason, the power by which people understand the universe and improve their own state. The
goals of rational humanity were considered knowledge, freedom and happiness.
The scientific revolution of the seventeenth century is closely associated with the
Enlightenment and, in many respects, the two overlap. Scientific thinking has played a crucial
role in the Enlightenment, as thinkers have used the scientific method to understand the world
around them.
The Enlightenment produced numerous books, essays, inventions, scientific
discoveries, laws, wars, and revolutions.
The Enlightenment helped to combat the excesses of the church, to establish science
as a source of knowledge, and to defend human rights against tyranny. It also offered us
modern school, medicine, republics, representative democracy and much more.