Consilience

Galileo, Cigoli, and The Church, all came together to create a significant, unique, impact on the world. The three, through their friendship, conflictions, and impacts on each other, all combined as one to foster the beginning of a conflict still going on today.

Galileo Galolei (2/15/1564 - 1/8/1642 pictured at right) was an Italian astronomer, and also mathematician, philosopher and physicist. Galileo studied and found proof for Copernicanism; the belief that the planets and earth revolve around the sun, opposing the belief that heavenly bodies orbited the earth. Some of his other astronomy accomplishments were: Improving the telescope, discovering four of Jupiter's satellites, observing sun spots, and craters and mountains in the moon. Unfortunately, due to his Copernican ideas and writings he was called to Rome and eventually put under house arrest.

Lodovico Cardi (1559-1613), is an Italian architect and painter who is better known as Cigoli. His paintings are very religious related, and one of the most famous of his is "The Sacrifice of Isaac." (pictured at left) He was a student of Buontalenti; who decorated the Boboli Gardens, and was also a member of the Accademia del Disegno; which is an art school in Florence, and the first drawing school in Europe.

The Church in the Renaissance time was still a big political part of the world as well as religious; practically as it had been in the Middle Ages. The head of the Church; the Pope, was set up in Rome, with bishops and priest spread throughout Europe to administer to the laymen. The Church handled the spiritual well being of the people, many financial issues, and had a huge influence on political matters and who got into different offices.

Galileo Galolei and Cigoli were good friends, who helped and influenced each other. Cigoli helped to get Galileo into the Accademia del Disegno where he learned chiaroscuro. It was with the help of this technique, that while looking at the moon with his telescope Galileo came to the conclusion that the moon had mountains and craters; instead of just seeing blotches and wondering about the discoloring. Galileo's discoveries concerning the moon's surface caused his friend Cigoli to incorporate these ideas into his painting. Cigoli's painting "Assumption of the Virgin" (pictured at right) shows the Virgin Mary standing on a cratered moon, where before paintings depicted the moon as smooth.

The Church had a very large influence on Cigoli's art. This is clearly evident simply by the fact that all his known pieces are of religious scenes. In a time when Humanism was flourishing, Cigoli could very likely have painted other images and not have been out of place, but he chose to paint on a holy level, because of his Christain faith and the influence that it had on him. Though as in his "Assumption of the Virgin" he chose to incorporate scientific elements he learned from Galileo, but did not stray from his religious theme.

The Church affected Galileo in a big way as well. The common belief before Copernicus and even for a time after him, was that the earth was the center of the universe and that the planets and sun went around it. Copernicus, however, proposed the idea that the sun was the center of out universe. Galileo adopted this theory and through his studies began to adamantly preach it. The Church and other scientists such as Bacon, disapproved of this because it went against what they taught, and after some time Galileo was condemned as "suspected of heresy," and placed under house arrest until he died.

Cigoli, Galileo, and the Church all played a role in creating a huge impact on the world. Cigoli's influence on Galileo helped him to make discoveries and keep studying astronomy, which lead to his further enthralment in Copernicanim. Galileo's testaments to the Copernican theory brought opposition from the Church. Neither the Church nor Galileo changed their minds at the time. This was the first serious science versus religion conflict, and not the last.

These three separate, though related, components: Galileo, Cigoli, and the Church, brought the beginning of a still on going struggle between some aspects of modern science and religion. Today there is still controversy between religious beliefs and what is accepted as scientific facts or theories. The theory of Evolution being the most conflicting of them all, because unlike Galileo who only questioned one aspect in the religious belief system, evolution throws out the whole idea of the existence of God at all. From the simple beginnings of science and religious friction, has come the complete displacement of God through science, which once went along with religion.

Political Map Of Europe

Revolution

In order for a Revolution to occur it takes more then just one aspect of life to cause a big enough change. However, the most causative piece of PERSIA in revolution is Society. Society is, according to dictionary.com, "an organized group of persons associated together for religious, benevolent, cultural, scientific, political, patriotic, or other purposes." Therefore most all other aspects of PERSIA (politics, economics, religion, intellect, and aesthetics) fall in some way under Society, until as the cause for revolution behind society grows, these other aspects blow up into their own causes.

In the Middle Ages practically every person was Catholic. Society was based around Catholicism. People went to church together, and all had the same ideas about getting to heaven and what that meant for them. As the Renaissance started coming in things began to slowly change. Tim Parks in Medici Money expresses how the people began getting upset with how some of the Church men were dealing with society. How some church officials were said to have disregard their vows of chastity, or commit such sins as usury, when they were quick to punish lay men for such offenses. Perhaps it was not how church men were dealing with society, but the fact that they were in it so much that was upsetting. The problems that people and some clergy and officials of the Church had with the mistakes of other church officials and popes grew, until this piece of society exploded into it's own piece of the cause of revolution.

Social classes in society play a part in bringing about revolution. Jacques Barzun in From Dawn to Decadence, explains how in France there were two types of people, peasants and nobles. Eventually artisans and merchants were able to make more money and rise above the peasants, but because of the way of society, they could not rise into a very high social standing, even if they were more rich then all the nobles around, because they were not born into the title. Tim Parks also demonstrates the separation of class when he writes about how there were regulations on what people who were plebs could and could not wear, and even eat. Eventually such obvious separation of classes and regulations on the lower class becomes infuriating, for the plebs, and/or those who feel as though they are more fit to be in high noble classes but can't get there. These things will lead to another cause for revolt, leading to possible revolution.

When societies values are changing and the government, whatever type it may be, or a large amount of the population, is not going with these changes, it causes friction, and quite possibly revolution. In the American Revolution the people of America were tired of the way the king in England was not treating them how they wanted. The were tired of the excessive taxes, tired of not having the representation they wanted, tired of trade regulations, and were becoming more interested in more liberal, democratic and republic ideas. England was not compromising and neither were the Americans. Result? Revolution. In the French Revolution the low classes of France wanted change. For years the poor and middle class had wanted change and they didn't seem to be getting it from the nobles and the King, and then by the time they had a few nobles on their side pushing for them it was too late. They had gotten to the point where it was all or nothing, some change wasn't going to satisfy them, they wanted liberty, and they would kill for it. Result? Revolution. In the time of Medici Money, the values of people were changing. The people were becoming frustrated with funding all the petty wars going on, and as Humanism flowed in people's attachment to the church, though still rather strong, began to change, and art changed. The Church and the governing system were not quite ready for this, and clashes rose up. Result? Revolution. In Germany, Martin Luther's religious values were changing. He brought out completely different ideas about religion, one being "Solo Fidelis," by faith alone, another being "Solo Scriptora," by script alone, meaning only the Bible has authority. Needless to say the Church wasn't impressed, but Luther wouldn't change, and he gathered followers. Result? Well, Revolution of course.

There is no one cause for revolution. Revolution needs causes from multiple aspects of PERSIA to take place. When friction starts to happen in more than one aspect, that is when the beginning of a revolution is formed. When analyzing revolution to find the most causative part of PERSIA in revolution, Society is the root. The other parts of PERSIA are important because of society, because of how they affect the way people live and interact with each other, which is society. From within society each other aspect of PERSIA grows until it explodes into its own huge cause for revolution, but unless the other parts affect society, they will not bring about a revolution.

Humanism and The Flat World

The Flat World and Humanism in their revolutionary aspects affected people in many similar ways, however, they still had contrasting aspects as well. Both empowered people, drove them deeper into discovering art and passions, and both have aided in the quenching of the thirst for knowledge. By using what we know of Humanism and how it affected the world reasonable predictions about The Flat World can be made.

Humanism began to change people by giving them the idea that their individual lives had meaning. Before Humanism the whole of peoples lives was centered around getting to heaven and only that. Things they did in their lives meant nothing, except it's relevance to getting or deterring them from heaven. As Humanism developed and spread people saw their lives as having a greater purpose than being just a stumbling block to getting to heaven. Heaven was still important to them, but instead of a stumbling block, there lives became something that was for meaning, and naturally because of the changed outlook, the way they lived their lives was changed.

The idea of The Flat World and it's technology is that people from every part of the world are now much more collaborative, competitive, and connected to one another because of advanced technology. The business world is becoming more open with equal opportunities for many people all over the world, and the numbers are growing. In the Flat World it is an extremely competitive race to the top, and you have to run it to make it anywhere.

Humanism and The Flat World both inspire a strong force of human empowerment. Humanism empowered people to find meaningful things to do with their lives for themselves as well as God, instead of being fully one sided. People began to delve into art and much of the style was changed. Humanism caused people to question, to dig deeper into their lives, to find how or if what they did in their lives affected the world or others. The Flat World is also empowering people. In the Flat World, because you have to be so competitive with a greatly increased number of people, many are being empowered to strive for better and better education. Not only does the Flat World empower people to strive for better education but, like Humanism, it is giving people power and opportunity to let their lives and opinions affect the world, but with the Flat World it is through internet resources like blogging.

Both the Flat World and Humanism made art and passion more important. Humanism caused a change in art that brought more realistic pieces. The images had not just a part of life in them, but were life captured in a moment. Peoples passions became important because now that humanity in itself was something special, the passions that make humanity what it is became something to be thought on, admired, and cultivated. In the Flat World artistic abilities and mindsets along with passion are very important. Now, with so many people competing for your job in this flattening world, it is crucial that you have something special to offer to get the job. If you and another have the same ability but the other person has more passion, or better artistically inclined ideas, you lose out.

The availability of knowledge is something that Humanism and The Flat World have had a hand in. Humanism encouraged asking questions and learning because learning has to do with the human experience. Because Humanism encouraged learning, more people began to be able to acquire knowledge, and it became desirable to obtain it. Knowledge has never been easier to come by than in the Flat World. The internet makes access to countless forms of knowledge attainable, and easily at that. Anyone with some way of having internet access can acquire knowledge on practically anything. In the Flat World knowledge is not only desirable, but necessary.

Humanism had more of an affect on the Catholic Church, while The Flat World affects economy rather than religion. Humanism caused people to appreciate life and the significance of it in the present and future, which lead them to question the things in their lives, including the Church. Eventually the questioning became stronger and later caused a rift. The Flat World does not appear to be causing trouble for a particular religious power, however, it is affecting the economy. The technology in the Flat World is affecting hierarchy of superpower nations and powerful businesses, because the playing field is being leveled. Countries that formerly were lower on the list are rising because of the empowerment their people get from the Flat World technology to rise to higher positions in the world. Large scale businesses won't always be able to dominate over every other company, because the smallest business, as long as it has the right technological access, can connect with anyone in the world.

From the history of Humanism you can make the conclusion that ultimately, Humanism and The Flat World will lead to many of the same things, but with opposite intentions. Humanism questioned, encouraged education and knowledge, grew in passions and art, for the reason of giving their lives purpose, for aesthetic development, and becoming better people with more understanding of their own nature. In the Flat World, though maybe some people have the same intentions as those of the time when Humanism began, most seek greater knowledge and cultivate their passions and creativity because they are competing to get to the top of a practically flat economical world, not to improve for greater meaning, but for greater job and standing, quite possibly just because they must. Before Humanism people strove for one goal only, to get to heaven; then they discovered other ways to identify themselves and give their lives meaning. In the Flat World people still use these things to help identify themselves, but once again, like the time before Humanism, they are striving towards one ultimate goal, only this time, instead of being eternal happiness in heaven after death, it is for corruptible money, power, and/or fame until death.

The World Is Flat #6

My personal feelings and ideas towards the The World Is Flat have been a little bit confusing to say the least. I don't believe that I will be very directly and dramatically affected by the flat world, but still I am sure to be affected in some way. As of now, I think it affects me more in that it goes against some of my ideas, than how it affects my life. My friends seem as though they will be pretty well off in this new flatter than ever world, seeing as most of them seem to grasp the concept of it, and are very excited about the prospects of it. Those of them who maybe aren't as enthusiastic about the flatness of our world are very intelligent though, and should be able to do quite well. I myself am still slightly confused about the flat world, so maybe what I need from teachers, parents, and those more intelligent than me is more information, to give a clear understanding, so I am sure of what I am doing and how to do it. I do not really see any way my future will be hindered, at least by the flat world, seeing as I plan to do some musical theatre and then become a mother. All in all I am not quite sure yet where I stand on my ideas about the flat world, resent is a bit strong, but embrace is a bit strong on the other side. I know I can live with it, and I know there are good things involved with it, but I am certainly not over joyed at the whole concept of it.

The Once and Future King: The Candle In The Wind

Under Arthur's rule England has become a much safer place, might against right is more in check, and the arts are beginning to prosper. Unfortunately, Mordred and Agrivaine, in their hatred for Arthur and Lancelot are desperate to destroy them. To accomplish this they make plans to boldly bring the affair of Lancelot and Guenever to light to Arthur, then bring him proof. Arthur has worked so hard for his ideals and new Justice laws that if found out he would have to prosecute his best friends, or undermine his own authority and betray all he has worked for.

Gareth, who loves and looks up to Lancelot, warns him of Modred and Agrivaines plans and tells him not to go to Guenever. Lancelot, however, does not listen, and he and Guenever are found out. After killing Agrivaine and all the guards who had come for them but Modred, Lancelot escapes to his own castle.

Arthur is forced to put Guenever to death under his laws, but on the day she is to be burned Lancelot flies in to save her. Arthur and Gawaine are both actually glad for this, but the joy soon leaves when it is revealed that the unarmed Gaheris and Gareth were both killed.

Peace is attempted at by banishing Lancelot from England and having Guenever sent back to Arthur, but Gawaine wants revenge on Lancelot for his brothers deaths, so he and Arthur lay siege on Lancelot in France. While they are away Mordred is in control, and totally corrupted by cruelty. He plans to tell England that both Arhtur and Gawaine have died, that he will take Guenever as his wife, and worst of all, declare himself king.

A letter from Guenever is sent to Arthur explaining to him Mordred's plots. After reading it Arthur decides to leave off fighting Lancelot and return to England to right what Mordred is doing. Another letter is also sent, this time from Gawaine to Lancelot. Gawaine forgives Lancelot for killing his brothers and bids him return to England to help Arthur. He also tells Lancelot that his is about to die.

The night before Arthur's armies are going to meet Mordred's, Arhtur is in is tent contemplating war, the reasons for it, and how to prevent it, when he sends for a page. He tells the page the story of a king, his ideals and how might should always be used for right. He also tells that there will be a bloody battle and all will die but one page. He sends this page off to spread the ideas he spoke of so that they are not forgotten.


This is the way that T.W. White ends his book The Once and Future King. In many ways it is utterly tragic. The destruction of all the good that Arthur tried to, or did accomplish, came from within, from his friends, his wife, his family, and even some bits from himself. The trickery and lust of his half sister which lead to Mordred. Arthur listening to prophesies and advice concerning his son which lead to trying to kill Mordred, which heightened Mordreds cruelty. The affair between the two people he loved most, which caused sorrow for Arthur and his undeniable duty to punish them. Gawaine's pride and stubbornness to have revenge on Lancelot, and Arthurs own inability to say no to it, all contributed to the bloody and sorrowful end. Tragedy and sorrow follow through the tree latter books. No matter how much good is done, no matter how much good is intended or how much good is strived for, tragedy follows and happiness is short lived. You would think that this would leave the reader feeling hopeless and like there is no point in trying to do good, but at least for me, this is not the case. No matter how awful the circumstance, Arhtur never stopped trying for his ideals, he believed in them, even at the end, when all seemed lost he wanted them to stay alive, so someday, someone could try again. The ideals were worth all of it, and because of all that happened people could learn. It wasn't all tragedy, because ideas were born, and progress was made, and even though everything seemed to fall apart, all was not lost, because the ideas stayed. The last few lines of this book made the end that was hopeless, full of hope, when T. H. White wrote the words:

Explicit liber regis quondam regisque futuri

The Beginning

Faustain Bargain

In the play Dr. Faustus by Christopher Marlowe, Faustus is a learned man but he desires more knowledge, and so he resorts to dark magic to give him the knowledge. He sells his soul to the devil in exchange for life for twenty-four years and a demon Mephistophilis to serve him in what ever he asks. Despite being coaxed by the Good Angel and some of his own thoughts to repent, Faustus couldn't overcome his temptation to power and knowledge. In the end, though Faustus was willing to give everything for the deal he made, he regretted it, but it was too late.

Faustus was willing to give anything at all to obtain knowledge and power. That is the meaning of Faustian bargain. To have such an obsessive and greedy desire for intelligence and power, that you would give anything or all to obtain it. There might also be a little bit of a hint that you will regret it, that it won't turn out as you wished.

The World Is Flat #5

Friedman believes that the flat world is indeed a good thing for America. His reasoning is that, although many people are worried about the loss in jobs for Americans if we have free trade agreements, that there is no need to worry. This is because he believes that although there may be lumps of jobs lost in places, there will be new jobs in smaller amounts all around. He thinks that with jobs going to other countries, money also goes and so the other countries economies are boosted, and the people want more and better things, like computers or cars, or smaller things and that with this desire and the better means they will buy more from us. In this way it is sort of like a circle. He also firmly believes that there are always going to be more jobs created, because not everything that is going to be invented has been, and not every idea to be thought has been used. Also, he is sure that there is no limit to jobs for creative minds, "idea-generated jobs" people who can find new ways to do things, more efficient ways of doing things, or anything new or helpful in general. So, although jobs may be lost, and some wages decreased, in the long run, the flat world will be a good thing for America. That is, if actions are taken to make sure that America's people are educated in the ways they will need to excel in this world and it is made sure that we have and keep enough of our own resources going so as not to be over taken. The key is 'if'. America can prosper in the flat world but only if these things are taken care of and taken care of correctly.