The Spread of Ideas
Why is this time we live in known as the "information age"?
Why is it so easy to spread information today?
What method of communication do you think is most important in spreading ideas and information today?
Why do you think the Renaissance was known as an information age?
Record your reasons below in point form.
We know that the Renaissance began in Italy and then moved to France, Spain and Portugal, and then eventually spreading to Northern Europe. As people moved from Europe, these ideas then spread to the Americas.
For example, Utopia, one of the first novels ever written describes characters of Aboriginal people as people who are equal but without money. This information age was done through word of mouth instead of through the use of technology.
Gathering Great Minds
Early on in the Renaissance, such families as the Medici family established libraries and academies to help spread this new knowledge to their people.
Universities
Early Italian universities were taught by humanists. Learning was done through the discussion of new ideas with one another and through their writings. People from all over Europe flocked to these new learning establishments, then returned to their own cities to share what they learned.
Travelling Celebrities
The "superstars" of the day, such as Leonardo da Vinci and Erasmus were on demand in court and universities all over Europe. While traveling, Leonardo would set up workshops to train young artists. Erasmus taught at several universities and continued to discuss scholarly topics both in person and through correspondence.
What do you notice about the personal traits of these people?
Royal Courts
Kings and queens wanted to attract these famous scholars to their courts. François 1er of France had a centre of learning in his courts where he collected manuscripts, paintings and sculptures. After the invasion of Milan in 1515, François invited da Vinci to come to the French Court. As an incentive, Leonardo was given a house and a generous pension.
The Printing Press: A New Technology
As was discussed earlier in this course, many of the Europeans were illiterate. Even if someone was able to read, you had to be wealthy to afford the book.
How would these circumstances affect people's ability to learn and to share their ideas with others?
Johannes Gutenberg, a German blacksmith and goldsmith, developed the printing press in 1450. This new technology then provided an opportunity for thousands of books to be printed at one time. These books were printed on paper instead of the more expensive parchment.
The Spread of Knowledge
With more than six million books printed by 1500, the exchanging of ideas and knowledge had hit Europe on a scale that had never been known before.
What are the implications of this new important invention?