The rise of Western civilization from "summary" of From Dawn to Decadence by Jacques Barzun
The emergence of Western civilization can be traced back to ancient Greece, where the foundations of democracy, philosophy, and science were laid. The Greeks believed in the power of reason and individualism, setting the stage for the intellectual development that would characterize Western culture. The rise of Western civilization was further propelled by the Roman Empire, which spread law, engineering, and governance throughout Europe. The Romans established institutions that would shape the future of Western society, such as the legal system and the concept of citizenship. After the fall of Rome, Western civilization underwent a period of transformation known as the Middle Ages. During this time, Christianity became the dominant religion in Europe, shaping the moral and ethical values of Western culture. The medieval period also saw the rise of universities and the spread of knowledge through the works of scholars like Thomas Aquinas. The Renaissance marked a rebirth of classical learning and artistic innovation in Western civilization. Artists and thinkers such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo revived the ideas of ancient Greece and Rome, ushering in a new era of creativity and humanism. The Enlightenment further propelled the rise of Western civilization by promoting reason, science, and individual rights. Thinkers like Voltaire and John Locke challenged traditional authorities and laid the groundwork for modern democratic societies. The Industrial Revolution transformed Western civilization by introducing mass production and technological advancements. This period of rapid economic growth and urbanization laid the foundation for the modern world we live in today.- The rise of Western civilization can be attributed to a combination of intellectual curiosity, cultural exchange, and technological innovation. From the ancient Greeks to the Enlightenment thinkers, Western culture has been shaped by a continuous pursuit of knowledge and progress.
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