Quote from: TheGer on July 03, 2011, 03:52:34 PM

This not true at all. The Renaissance stemmed from people being released from the confines of a Feudal/Monarchical system of control. In 13th century Italy, where it had it's beginnings(and spread over centuries from there) people were experiencing Political and Social freedoms. This intellectual awakening flowed into more than just the Political and Social realms. When people are free you will see them reach far beyond their grasp and accomplish amazing things.

I don't think we are in disagreement here. With political/social freedom comes economic freedom. Feudal lords and monarchs stopped taking and wasting people's money/resources/labor/time. People are allowed to keep more of their money/resources, save it for emergencies/retirement, invest it in productive endeavors, etc. Savings allows for free time - to become entrepreneurs, and push the limits of our knowledge. How can you say "this is not true at all" when we are in perfect agreement?