In what ways did humanists have an effect on cultural and religious Research Paper - 1

In what ways did humanists have an effect on cultural and religious development - Research Paper Example The intellectuals not only lament over the pathetic moral decline of their fellow beings, but also strive to make corrections in the individual and collective life of the masses through their verbal or written preaching. Consequently, an overwhelming majority of the general public belonging to their contemporary society turns against the philosophers by declaring them breakers of law and traditions. However, they remain as firm as rock in the face of hardships, and stick to showing the people the very path of glory and wisdom. This state of affairs is not confined to one social establishment only; rather, the humanists have left indelible impact of their broad and humane thoughtfulness on every cultural set up of the globe without discrimination. The present paper aims to throw light on the valuable services of the philosophers and writers with special reference to the works created by celebrated 14th century Italian writer, poet and reformer Giovanni Boccaccio and 15th century Dutch writer Desiderius Erasmus. Boccaccio’s allegorical work The Decameron serves as a great satire on the malpractices and hypocrisy existing in his contemporary Italian culture. Through his simple but thought-provoking short fables and tales, he censures the avaricious and condemnable nature of the clergymen, who sell the word of the Scriptures for their own purpose. The priests, parsons and other churchmen, as the tales view, are considered to be the noblest, holiest and most reliable individuals, who are administering the spiritual and social activities by inviting the people towards the way of God. However, instead of fulfilling their sacred mission of guiding the masses, they are misguiding them by offering the permission to enter the paradise. Since the Lord has not bestowed upon the priests the power to make false promises in respect of granting permission to enter the heavens, the act of such barter for pecuniary gains on the part of the priests is actually a