Unit 1

Renaissance: The Origins of a Western Worldview

Lesson 2

How can thinkers and philosophers bring about change in society?

Influential people in any society can produce change by their words and actions. Think about how many people are interested in (and follow the ideas of) musicians, actors, politicians, and other celebrities.

During the Renaissance, many of the humanists had this kind of influence over people. They were the intellectual leaders of their communities. They became scholars, philosophers, teachers, writers, architects, musicians, and artists.

Because many humanists had important positions in the government, the churches, and the royal courts, they affected change in many other people.

Humanist thinking had a strong effect on individual people. Artists and others were affected by the changing ideas.