Western Civilization Essay Samples

1
Renaissance which also means’ the rebirth ‘was a European social movement that occurred in the 15th century. Middle age is used to refer to a specific time frame and, therefore, is not the same as renaissance that gives a description to a cultural movement. Renaissance was characterized with an urban society that included the growth of cities and development of cultural and economic centers. Middle age education comprised of Scholasticism, which was a doctrine that stated those in authority, should be accepted by the people without raising any questions. Those in authority included Aristotle and the bible as most of the scholars held a belief that they were consistent. Education during the middle age was closely associated with the church as they mostly gave the guidelines that were used in church. The renaissance period was more of a time to recover from the failures that occurred in the future in order to develop the continent. The era was preceded by events such as the Black Death that had confounded the society. Renaissance period was characterized by human beings paying attention to one another. The abilities and potentiality of various human beings were respected during this period compared to the middle age period that valued Gothic art. Middle age embraced the use of parchment while renaissance period developed the use of printing press in order to pass information.
2
Machiavelli states that a ruler should not focus in thinking about luxuries but should focus in gaining knowledge on how to command and lead the people as this will ensure that their family rules forever. Leaders who focus in gaining luxuries always fall, for instance Louis XIV, who weakened his empire when he was in the process of acquiring luxuries. Rulers should also have adequate knowledge about warfare. When a ruler does not have information on how to best defend their country their era won’t last for a long time. People in a country led by a ruler who does not have information on warfare also feel insecure and unsafe and this makes them to form conspiracies in order to overthrow them. Rulers should ensure they exercise their warfare practice when it comes to peace sessions for the people to know their capability. Rulers should also be equipped with knowledge about the past great leaders in order to learn how they lost and won battles in order to avoid making mistakes which can threaten their position. A good ruler should also be intelligent in order to gain the support of the people they lead. Intelligence gives the rulers the confidence of controlling their territory.
3
Erasmus stated a good ruler should be an individual who tolerates others peoples intellectual views and expressions. Erasmus stated this, since he saw no need of prosecuting individuals who had different views with their leaders. He gave a suggestion that rulers should focus in observing Christian principles while leading the people. Since Erasmus believed in free will, he stated that a good leader should be able to give his subjects the opportunity to express themselves.
4
Machiavelli view point is more modern compared to Erasmus viewpoint based on the way in which he articulates his points. Machiavelli viewpoint ensures that the ruler is not placed vulnerable and that is important in the modern time in which coups are common in most of the countries. Machiavelli viewpoint is correct because it even makes the ruler take caution on how they lead.