Remember the Past to Build the Future

“Those who cannot remember the past, are condemned to repeat it”

Quoted by George Santayana in the year 1905. As a philosopher, essayist, poet, and novelist living in Italy, George spoke the words of one bouncing off renaissance and reformist ideas. If one had no knowledge of the past, or did not learn enough, repeated mistakes are bound to happen. I am reminded of an example of my brother in high school getting pulled over by the same cop, in the same spot, for the same mistake (not wearing a seat belt), at the same time back to back days. He obviously did not learn from the past, and therefore was condemned to repeat it.

Pondering over this quotation, I found that it linked quite well with what was taught by Martin Luther in the late 15^th/early 16^th century. He quoted the Vulgate Bible in Psalm 42 that stated “in the same way that a stag is drawn unto the sources of water, so is my soul drawn unto you, God.” This German reformer who opposed the Catholic
Church was very direct in his teachings and showed us how he used Ad Fontes, or recovering the past and returning to sources. By drawing from the word of God, he was able to back up his teachings and beliefs that so many would hear throughout the years. His counterpart Erasmus around a similar time also drew from the Bible and talked about great sources, the Greeks and Ancient Romans. Humanism really shows itself through these two men, as they both were able to be such strong preachers and build followings and utilize talents that God gave them, as stated by Devan in a response to a blog post.

Of course, these two weren't the only reformists during the Protestant Reformation. Another Plough Boy by the name of Jonathan Edwards in the mid-18^th Century showed his strong rhetoric and tone in his call for reformation. The Great Awakening was a period of much religious uprising and in Edwards “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,” he calls the sinner to repentance and compares them to a spider being dangled over a burning pit of fire. In Stephanie’s blog post, she discussed how ethos plays a huge role in this speech. Although I agree that ethos plays a huge role, I believe there is an equal amount of logos and pathos as well. The fact that his writings appeal to one’s character, emotions, and logic, shows that he is able to communicate rhetorically to all.

Edwards also was evidence of ad fontes and used sources such as the bible, but none of these plough boys would have been able to communicate their beliefs so efficiently if it weren't for the Printing Press. Around 1450, this invention by Gutenberg allowed for widespread publication of the Bible and religious texts. This wonderful technology of printing was seen as magnificent as our modern day internet.

Studying and pondering about these times has helped me solidify a great respect for what was accomplished. I now ask myself the question, how can I use this knowledge to help build the future? Can I create my own mini-Renaissance? All I know is that I plan to only build off the successes of those before me, and refuse to be condemned to repeat the greatness that already is.