The Renaissance in Europe was a time in which the modern age began, because of humanism that centered on human interest. It was a huge change to switch from a religion based society in the Middle Ages to a people based society in the Renaissance. During the Renaissance, humanism effected political philosophy, art and religious change. Most of the philosophy was severely changed during the Renaissance due to humanism. Niccolo Machiavelli of Florence, Italy was one of the main contributors of change. At this time there was much conflict between the cities of Italy and Machiavelli wrote a book on his political philosophies to keep the current ruler in power called The Prince. With this Machiavelli had a negative but realistic outlook on human