So all civilization had to start somewhere right? Well we're not starting from the beginning. In fact, we're starting in the middle. The Renaissance to be more specific. I guess starting when "rebirth" occurred is the best place to start [ insert quizzical look ].
According to Wikipedia (which I deem a credible source of information), the Renaissance occurred roughly between the 14th and 17th century and beginning in Florence, Italy. As many know, the Renaissance influenced, to name a few: art, politics, literature, science, philosophy, and religion. While it is a major point in history, I believe it was just a moment in time when people realized that they were stupid and needed to become 'enlightened'.
On to the New World, or also known as the Western Hemisphere. While some 'credit' can be given to Columbus for taking the courage to travel through unknown waters, he didn't discover the New World first. But since it follows the time-line, we'll discuss very briefly of his 'triumphs'.
Columbus used his puppy-dog eyes to get the Spanish king and queen to pay for his voyages.
Planned to go to India and bring back silks and other such treasures.
Landed in the Americas.
Killed off many natives.
Took a lot of gold.
The End.
Against poplar belief, the Copernican view was greatly rejected. The heliocentric view of the universe, which is basically saying that the Sun was the center of the universe instead of Earth (geocentric or Ptolemaic view). SO, basically a guy named Aristotle came up with the idea that the Earth was the center of the universe. Pope believed. Laid basis of that religion for many years to come. Copernicus comes up with his theory. Galileo comes out 'bashing' the church's belief system. A whole lot of hoopla. Now, with modern technology...we know. I COULD write a thousand word in-depth explanation of all the info I have read and gathered, but I don't even want to write about it much less would any other person like to read about it.
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That's Copernicus. -----------------------
Now we move onto an invention that has really been revamped throughout history. The movable type. Although created first by a Chinese man, we'll focus on Johannes Gutenberg that really got it 'moving' [ insert cheesy smile]. Around 1450 is when this movable type emerged. Obviously it became a major source of printing any type of newspaper, book, document, fliers, birthday invitations... (maybe not B-Day invitations but who knows?) Basically, moving type = awesome. I mean, can you think of any sort of modern day technology that could resemble the moving type?? (Hint: You're using it to read this)
And then there is Leonardo Da Vinci..What else can you say about him than being one of the best multitaskers ever. He was a painter, sculptor, architect, musician, scientist, mathematician, engineer, inventor, anatomist, geologist, cartographer, botanist and writer. Uhhh..yea. Go Da Vinci! I think everyone can agree that the world would definitely be different if Da Vinci didn't do the things he did. Although he probably would've still changed the world someway if he joined any profession. Example: if he was a plumber, we'd probably have floating toilets or something else ridiculously cool.
So by now civilization has advanced in all areas of life. With all the changing times, the thought of a perfect existence HAD to come to mind. A Utopia where all is run smoothly and very minimal or even no errors would occur. The book written by Sir Thomas Moore: (summary: http://www.bookrags.com/notes/uto/PART6.htm) gave a vision and story of a Utopia. A rather interesting excerpt about their love of learning gave an insight to perhaps how they are able to continue in such peace. Or the townspeople could possibly just be geeks. Perhaps that's the message: Only a nation run and inhabited entirely of geeks can be a true Utopia.
And thus comes a pause in the journey of civilization.
Finally..
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