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How The Black Death Inspired 14th-Century Italian Intellectual Escapism

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From the ashes of death and despair rose a revolutionary artistic and scientific movement that tore down conservative paradigms, erecting monuments of innovation that would reverberate across humanity for centuries to come. This movement, known as the Italian Renaissance, symbolized a “rebirth” as it brought ancient Greco-Roman intellectualism and fused it with novel innovation. Within this movement, Filipo Brunelleschi engineered a monumental dome with no central support, through methods that perplex contemporary experts. Noblewoman Catherine de’ Pizan, penned one of the pioneering words of feminist literature, inspiring women to educate themselves during an era marked by significant constraints on their autonomy. Finally, Leonardo Da Vinci …show more content…

This cultural movement contrasted the physical fragility of this era with astounding mental resilience. Instead of succumbing to their circumstances and crumbling as a society, as people often assume, 14th-century Italian’s found unique ways to elevate their lives. Through the secular shift that was caused by the Black Death, Italians began to explore scientific and philosophical concepts that were previously restricted by the Church’s unyielding grip on society. Had Italians not been able to explore such pursuits, it is unlikely the Renaissance would have taken place. Martin Luther utilized this ever-growing principle late in the Renaissance with his 95-theses which inspired the critique of religious institutions and the creation of Protestantism. Furthermore, 14th-century secularism propelled the concept of separation of church and state which is central to contemporary politics in various regions. Intellectual escapism bolsters individual strength and stability. By escaping the material world to explore mentally stimulating and creative ideas, Italians took their power back from the Black Death. They transformed fear into fascination through stories and art while also becoming immersed in architectural development of their devastated cities. In doing so, they birthed the Renaissance. During an unprecedented era of darkness, riddled with uncertainty and religious unrest, society rose triumphant and founded the Renaissance. Even in the darkest of times, the fire within humanity remains ignited. Human resilience will never

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