← Back to Concept Index

humanism

An intellectual movement arising from the late medieval period focusing on individual dignity, critical thinking, and the revival of classical learning.

1 chapter across 1 book

Empathic Civilization: The Race to Global Consciousness in a World in Crisis (2009)Jeremy Rifkin

CHAPTER 8: THE SOFT INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION OF THE LATE MEDIEVAL ERA AND THE BIRTH OF HUMANISM

This chapter explores the transformative period of the late medieval era characterized as a 'soft industrial revolution,' highlighting technological advancements such as water mills and printing that catalyzed social and intellectual change. It traces the emergence of humanism, emphasizing shifts in literacy, individual identity, and cultural development that laid the groundwork for modern consciousness. The chapter also examines the evolving family structures, economic systems, and philosophical ideas that contributed to the birth of a more self-aware and interconnected society.