Modernity

While in our current times we primarily think of modernity as technological innovation, it seems to take on various definitions depending on the time era. While modernity can be characterized by technological advancements, it also refers to the progression of philosophy, art, science, theology, and cultural behaviors that emphasize individualism, logic, and rationalism. While it makes sense to mark the beginning of modernity with the European Renaissance, Europeans based their Renaissance on the ideas and teachings of classic Greek and Roman philosophers. Through their teachings, they were able to develop more humanist ideals, focusing on humanity and individuals, as well as critique and question their surrounding world and society. 

According to Plato, democracy will lead to an abuse of freedom. He critiques that democracy will eventually lead to anarchy, remarking how "in a democracy, many persons, although they have been sentenced to death or exile, just stay where they are and walk about the world --the gentleman parades like a hero, and nobody sees or cares?" (The Republic, Book VIII). He emphasizes how, as people will have personal freedoms, they will give in to their own impulses and selfish behaviors instead of thinking how this freedom can be used for the collective good of the people. Similarly, Aristotle critiques democracy, stressing how giving all people individual freedoms would, in fact, undermine the rule of law, putting the State at risk for degeneration. I suppose these writings and teachings resonated with the people at the time of the Late Medieval period and the Early Renaissance because many people did not really have access to these types of texts outside of the clergy, or those who were privately educated. Individuals were suppressed by the rigid, commanding structure of feudalism, as well as the overarching presence of the Catholic Church. Scholars were primarily the ones who first had access to these ancient texts, finding them in old monasteries and the like. During the cultural exchange between Europe and the Middle East, these texts resurfaced, bringing about Europe's "rebirth".