The Nature of the Renaissance
There have been comparisons of our own time to that of the Italian and European Renaissance 500 years ago. To my surprise, it seems society has embraced the less desirable aspects of that great period. It appears the power players in Washington are emulating the power players of the 15th and 16th centuries.
The sad side of the Renaissance is that it is a story of greatness born and then greatness slipping out of the hands of those who had it. In 1400's Italy, a new "middle class" was born with developments in trade and free enterprise. New freedoms and a new view of the world came into being. Unfortunately, many in the new class became corrupt within 50 to 100 years. Italy lost it's spark, and other European countries gained economic and political power. Eventually Germany, Holland, Great Britain, Spain, and France also slipped and lost energy.
Power traveled to the New World. The United States has been in the lead for many years. Will we in the U.S. also let our power slip through our fingers? Looking back at the year 2003, I believe we need to ask ourselves this question.
The wonderful aspect of the Renaissance was the birth of the scientific worldview. Art and culture rose to great heights. The very concept of economic opportunity came into being. Many of the benefits of today's world sprang from that time in the 1400's. Humanity was changed forever. The United States itself is a descendant of the worldview born during the Renaissance.
When we think "Renaissance", do we immediately think of greed and abusive political and economic power? It is obvious that many do, which I find both pessimistic and ridiculous. Such an interpretation of our present day Renaissance is aiming way too low.
Will we instead realize that Renaissance means freedom, expression, science, new benefits, and new opportunities?
- Gary Santoro, New Years Day 2004
Tuscany 2002 - another photo. 
[Ottmar Liebert]
12:31:28 PM 
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