Comparing Society: Early Renaissance Europe and Contemporary Times

This essay provides a detailed comparison between the society of Early Renaissance Europe and contemporary society, examining key aspects such as the rise of humanism, the spread of knowledge, and the evolution of art. It highlights the shift from a primarily religious focus to a more humanistic one during the Renaissance, and how this compares to the diverse belief systems and individual freedoms of modern society. The invention of the printing press and its impact on knowledge dissemination during the Renaissance are contrasted with the digital revolution and online education of today. Furthermore, the essay explores the evolution of art from religious depictions to pop culture, noting both the commercial nature of art in both eras and the differences in distribution methods. The analysis considers both the similarities and differences between these two distinct periods in history, providing a comprehensive overview of societal changes.

Running head: COMPARISON OF SOCIETY DURING THE EARLY RENAISSANCE IN
EUROPE TO MODERN SOCIETY 1
Comparison of Society during the Early Renaissance in Europe to Modern Society
Name
Institution

COMPARISON OF SOCIETY DURING THE EARLY RENAISSANCE IN EUROPE TO
MODERN SOCIETY 2
COMPARISON OF SOCIETY DURING THE EARLY RENAISSANCE IN
EUROPE TO MODERN SOCIETY
Introduction
The two centuries that marked the rebirth of Europe are 14th and 16 centuries. The two
periods experienced countless changes in the history of the Europeans. Many changes were
observed during this time in Europe. The term used in describing the rebirth that happened
during this time is known as Renaissance (Alfani & Ryckbosch, 2016). More precisely, the
Renaissance represented a period of primary literature, art, philosophical and Cultural
Revolution in all the countries that are in Europe. The origin of this rebirth was Italy after that it
spread very fast into many parts of European countries. During this period, the society had some
unique and significant characters and therefore was named as the Renaissance society.
Conversely, contemporary society is a name that represents our present’s time. It
represents the current time within a period of the previous 10 years. This modern society has
some unique characteristics; nevertheless, as we look back at the period of renaissance, there are
some crucial differences and similarities which are identified between these societies. The
similarities and differences are widespread across the invention, education and the cultural
system. The primary purpose of this paper is to look at the period of Renaissance society
intensely; it’s unique religious, educational and cultural activities and then compares them with
that of the current community. This paper will, therefore, look at the differences and similarities
of contemporary society and Renaissance society.
Contemporary society vs. Renaissance society

COMPARISON OF SOCIETY DURING THE EARLY RENAISSANCE IN EUROPE TO
MODERN SOCIETY 3
The Renaissance is a word that originated from French which when changed into
English; it refers to the rebirth of issues or ideas. It uses to describe the type of Revolution in
Europe in terms of intellectuals and knowledge in the 14th and 16th Centuries. This period
experienced the rebirth of scholars in Europe (Burke, 2017). A revolution in the different field
also marked this period. The area includes innovation, science, culture, and philosophy. In art
shell, many of the great inventions and innovation that people are presently enjoying in modern
society were mainly invented during the time of the Renaissance. There were some notable
changes which happen within the community. These changes include the spread of literacy, the
realism of art, the rise in humanism, reliance on observation as well as Shang dynasty. All these
changes have individual differences and similarities to modern society. This paper discusses in
detail some of these changes. It also explains the effect that these changes created during the
time of contemporary society and Renaissance society.
The Rise of Humanism
This period was marked with the rise of Humanism. During the time of middle age, many
individuals dedicated their lives to religious issues and the church. This was the original
expectation of different individuals. Many people were to take part in religious activity.
However, during the time of the Renaissance, the spiritual aspiration of the people changed.
During this period, individuals were expected to concentrate on things that would make them
live a better life. They were much concerned with their personal affairs. During this period, they
were supposed to focus less on religious issues. The rise of humanitarian during the period of
Renaissance modified the thought of most people. During this time, luxury and pleasure were
given less time. Instead, work and studies were given much time. The studies and working from
the classical for example Plato and Aristotle were given more concern. Also, the rise of

COMPARISON OF SOCIETY DURING THE EARLY RENAISSANCE IN EUROPE TO
MODERN SOCIETY 4
humanism during this period gave rise to traveling as well as the exploring knowledge from one
location to another (Tallett, 2016). For instance, some of the thinkers who traveled during this
time include Sir Thomas, Giovanni, Francis Bacon, and Francesco Petrarch. These people
traveled in many places in different parts of the Universe to explore the knowledge in the field of
literature, among others.
Some activities appear to be similar during the rise of Humanism in the society of the
Renaissance and that of Contemporary society. Nevertheless, there is some difference between
contemporary society and the Renaissance society. First, the similarity was seen in the
expectation of Religion. As discussed, In Renaissance society, religious activities were given less
focus as much attention was given to things that benefit people. Similarly, in contemporary
society, individuals have to make their own choice. People have the right to either take part in
religious activities or not. During this time individuals have to decide whether to attend the
church services. Even though people are expected to attend church as well as pray, they were
also expected to participate in other issues which can change their lives (Klinke, Renn &
Lehners, 2018). These are inclusive of health, economic stability, and many other different
things. This is the main reasons why children are taken to school as well as encouraged to work
smart to enjoy in the future. The people were not motivated to attend church services to increase
their faith in God. Instead, there is a similarity in the case of traveling to explore knowledge. The
contemporary society also practiced traveling to gain knowledge in different areas. For example,
the learners are taken to trips in different areas for them to gain experience and learn in areas of
specialization.
Furthermore, many institutions presently embarked on issues related to bench making
where workers are allowed to learn from other organizations so that they can use the knowledge

COMPARISON OF SOCIETY DURING THE EARLY RENAISSANCE IN EUROPE TO
MODERN SOCIETY 5
they acquired to improve the development of their Organization (Rogers, 2018). Also, several
types of research involve traveling to different countries to study issues for example disease.
Nevertheless, other individuals go deliberately for luxury. This is one of the differences between
contemporary society and Renaissance society.
Spread of Knowledge
Renaissance society was accompanied by a range of knowledge in the community.
During this time, the society was well informed, and there was an invention of specific issues;
for example, the printing press was established. In the year 1450, Johannes Gutenberg who was a
citizen of German surprised the Universe with his new invention in the printing press. The
impact of Johannes invention is still being felt up to today. This was direction changing and great
invention that transformed the word of literature. It led to the end of handwriting to typing using
a machine. It also changed the system of education during the time of the Renaissance. This is
because only those who accumulated enough wealth could afford this system of education. More
notably, during this time most of the treasured the issues of communication. Those who have
wealth got an education in various areas. The invention of the printing press also led to the
development of new ideas in society. During this time, many methods of experimenting were
invented and this period was also accompanied by important innovation in all of Europe.
There are remarkable similarities between modern society and the Renaissance society in
the way knowledge is being distributed. Like the Renaissance society, current society was
accompanied by some great revolution in the distribution of ideas and other issues. For example,
the electronic transfer of money was an idea invented in the modern society (Van, 2012). Like
the printing press, the electronic money transfer is accompanied by a great revolution in the
business and transaction today. Instead, the current society continues to depend on the new

COMPARISON OF SOCIETY DURING THE EARLY RENAISSANCE IN EUROPE TO
MODERN SOCIETY 6
education system (Watson, 2009). This also portrays some similarities with that of Renaissance
society. During the time of the Renaissance, there was a revolution in education as most people
began typing using machines. Also, in modern society, individuals are slowly moving to an
online educational system from the traditional education system. Presently, some of the
university offered their courses online at a cheaper cost compared to conventional education.
Nowadays, a student does not need to travel to India to study (Solík, Višňovský & Laluhová,
2013). He or she requires a laptop and internet or a phone to enroll, access the course, do their
examination and attend classes online. This has led to a great revolution in the system of
education in various parts of the universe.
Nevertheless, there are some differences observed between contemporary society, and the
Renaissance is based on the distribution of knowledge. First, during the time of the Renaissance,
knowledge spread at a faster rate (Broude, 2018). Some of the inventions which occurred during
this time still have a significant impact today. For example, modern society still benefits from the
printing press. On the other hand, during this period, there were many unique inventions which
took a lot of time to be seen in modern society. The invention during the time of the Renaissance
had significant influence in the community.
Realism in art
During the period of the Renaissance, there was an invention of pop culture. The artists at
this time did credible works in terms of dancing, writing, music, drawing, painting, and other
artworks. Some of the artists such as Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vince, as well as Titian,
focused on religious depiction (Campbell, 2017). There was also a depiction of human figures,
and key concentration was placed on the representations, for example, the social dancing and
painting. Ancient Greece and Roman were doing the painting process.

COMPARISON OF SOCIETY DURING THE EARLY RENAISSANCE IN EUROPE TO
MODERN SOCIETY 7
There are similarities between contemporary society and renaissance society. Presently,
the popular culture is widespread. The popular culture of the American nowadays influences the
youth — most of the teenagers in the world dress like well-known artists such as Drake or others.
There are also favorite movies which individuals like for example the double Kara. Also, there
are new designs regarding arts and clothes which many individuals cannot do away with in
modern society.
Another similarity between contemporary society and the Renaissance society was the
commercial nature of the work of the artist. During the period of the Renaissance, the artist
works such as painting and music were for a commercial purpose (Lemire, 2010). Even though
other artists work were intended to remind individuals of what occurred in certain events, most
of the work that artists were doing in Europe by the time of Renaissance was sold to the rich
people within the society. This is also being a witness in the current community. Most designers
and artist established unusual items and then sell them in exhibition and shows in different parts
of the continent (Watts, 2017). Alternatively, there are works of the artists that are sold and
designed for organizations as well as other business in various part of the Universe.
Nevertheless, there are differences in the mode of distribution of the work of the artist in
Renaissance society and contemporary society. During the time of the Renaissance, the artwork
of the artist spread was because of the organized exhibition and shows. It was distributed by
word of mouth (Wiesner, 2019). Nevertheless, the present range of the current culture is mainly
by the magic of technology. Today, the development of the internet brought a great revolution in
modern society. These days the web has reduced the geographical distance, and individuals can
communicate from different locations easily (Hay, 2016). This is one of the reasons that led to

COMPARISON OF SOCIETY DURING THE EARLY RENAISSANCE IN EUROPE TO
MODERN SOCIETY 8
the spread of popular culture. Presently, when a song is released in the United States, it takes a
few minutes before reaching an individual in Nigeria.
Another difference in the area of art during the period of the renaissance society and
current society lies in the depiction. During the time of the Renaissance, the central
representation of the work of the artists relied on human painting, nature, dance, and many others
(Ponzini & Rossi, 2010). Nevertheless, the current society has used them all. Today, the work of
the artists depicts different matters. For example, the artist of current society can draw the ideas
of the economic or political issues thru their artwork. Some of the artists pass their messages
through design or painting.
The inequity
A massive difference among individuals accompanied the Renaissance society. There
was a stratification social class, role, and status (Pohl, 2010). For example, during this period,
there was an invention of different things such as printing press due to a revolution in the field of
education. Nevertheless, the benefits of the inventions were mainly being enjoyed by those who
have wealth. The system of education during this period primarily favored those who are rich
and have accumulated wealth. The poor could not manage to attend school. They have to engage
in other economic issues for them to survive. This disparity made a gap between the rich and the
poor. This also brought about economic and social instability in society. In political matters, the
top seats were mainly being occupied by lords. This can also be seen in modern society. 3rd
world nations are suffering from poverty (Harley, 2009). The economic injustice is high in every
country in the world. Today, some communities have got social stratification. There are those
who possess as well as those individuals who have not. Individuals who have are those that are

COMPARISON OF SOCIETY DURING THE EARLY RENAISSANCE IN EUROPE TO
MODERN SOCIETY 9
enjoying the world-class colleges and schools with better facilities and teachers. They are also
well placed both economically and politically.
Conversely, those who have not, are suffering in poverty. They are also affected by
diseases. They are used by the rich as ladders to acquire political mileage and power.
Reliance on observation
The period of the Renaissance marked the end of observing facts based on myths. Before
the Renaissance, individuals believe in the blind faith. The people believe in events and issues
other people told them without any reasonable evidence. However, the period of the Renaissance
was accompanied by scientific views in most parts of Europe. During this time, to prove
problems, individuals could observe its effect and impact before using the new methods of doing
things or thinking. This made a distinction between individuals who believed in moral truths and
the believers of science (Sessa, 2012). During this error, people did not depend on religious
teachings. Renaissance started in Italy before spreading to different nations in the entire world.
Society relied on commerce expansion and vitality. The art and literature also featured that were
used to prove some facts. During this time, the community developed the functionalist theory.
Currently, an individual to prove the reality of their issues or invention based on hard
evidence. In the research study, the conclusion relied on the evidence that is provided to support
the determination made (Panizza, 2017). In court, one has to offer enough evidence for them to
be free.
Conclusion
There are differences and similarities between contemporary society and the Renaissance
society. The renaissance society was accompanied by great revolution items of thinking,
inventions and various aspects of performing issues (Liebert & Trenz, 2009). During this time,

COMPARISON OF SOCIETY DURING THE EARLY RENAISSANCE IN EUROPE TO
MODERN SOCIETY 10
the way of observing problems changed and the beliefs of the people also changed. Individuals
began believing in apparent facts, instead of mythical events.
Additionally, there exist a revolution in culture and art and many other issues. Some of
these features are also experienced in modern society. Even though others did differ, most of the
problems in contemporary society and Renaissance society are similar.

COMPARISON OF SOCIETY DURING THE EARLY RENAISSANCE IN EUROPE TO
MODERN SOCIETY 11
References
Alfani, G., & Ryckbosch, W. (2016). Growing apart in early modern Europe? A comparison of
inequality trends in Italy and the low countries, 1500–1800. Explorations in Economic
History, 62, 143-153.
Broude, N. (2018). Feminism and art history: Questioning the litany. Routledge.
Burke, P. (2017). Popular culture in early modern Europe. Routledge.
Campbell, E. (2017). Growing old in early modern Europe: cultural representations. Routledge.
Harley, J. B. (2009). Maps, knowledge, and power. Geographic thought: a praxis perspective,
129-148.
Hay, D. (2016). Europe in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Routledge.
Klinke, A., Renn, O., & Lehners, J. P. (2018). Ethnic conflicts and civil society: proposals for a
new era in Eastern Europe. Routledge.
Lemire, B. (Ed.). (2010). The Force of Fashion in Politics and Society: global perspectives from
early modern to contemporary times. Ashgate Publishing, Ltd..
Liebert, U., & Trenz, H. J. (2009). Civil society and the reconstitution of democracy in Europe:
Introducing a new research field. Policy and Society, 28(1), 1-9.
Panizza, L. (2017). Women in Italian Renaissance culture and society. Routledge.
Pohl, N. (2010). Utopianism after More: the renaissance and enlightenment. The Cambridge
Companion to Utopian Literature, 51-78.
Ponzini, D., & Rossi, U. (2010). Becoming a creative city: The entrepreneurial mayor, network
politics and the promise of an urban renaissance. Urban Studies, 47(5), 1037-1057.

COMPARISON OF SOCIETY DURING THE EARLY RENAISSANCE IN EUROPE TO
MODERN SOCIETY 12
Rogers, C. J. (2018). The military revolution debate: readings on the military transformation of
early modern Europe. Routledge.
Sessa, B. (2012). The psychedelic renaissance: Reassessing the role of psychedelic drugs in 21st
century psychiatry and society. Muswell Hill Press.
Solík, M., Višňovský, J., & Laluhová, J. (2013). Media as a tool for fostering values in the
contemporary society. European Journal of Science and Theology, 9(6), 71-77.
Tallett, F. (2016). War and Society in Early Modern Europe: 1495-1715. Routledge.
Van Krieken, R. (2012). Celebrity society. Routledge.
Watson, J. A. (2009). The Evolution of International Society: A Comparative Historical Analysis
Reissue with a new introduction by Barry Buzan and Richard Little. Routledge.
Watts, S. J. (2017). A Social History of Western Europe, 1450-1720: tensions and solidarities
among rural people. Routledge.
Wiesner-Hanks, M. E. (2019). Women and gender in early modern Europe (Vol. 41). Cambridge
University Press.