Martin Luther Defending His Ideas at the Diet of Worms

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Upon this a question arises: whether it be better to be loved than feared or feared than loved? It may be answered that one should wish to be both, but, be- cause it is difficult to unite them in one person, is much safer to be feared than loved, when, of the two, either must be dispensed with...love is preserved by the link of obligation which, owing to the baseness of men, is broken at every opportunity for their advantage; but fear preserves you by a dread of punishment which never fails.
-Machiavelli

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The conquest of the New World, beginning in 1492, set in motion complex processes of cultural diffusion and population mixture. The seizure and control of the Americas became so important to Europe economically and politically that it had the long-term consequence of altering European interests worldwide. Before 1492, Europe’s center was the Mediterranean. After 1492, Europe’s orientation shifted radically; it became centered at first around the Atlantic, and much later around the Pacific Ocean.
— Sidney W. Mintz, anthropologist

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The world is waking out of a long deep sleep. The old ignorance is still defended. Time was when learning was only found in the religious orders. The religious orders nowadays care only for money and sensuality [indulgence of the appetites], while learning has passed to secular princes and peers and courtiers. Where in school or monastery will you find so many distinguished and accomplished men as form your English Court? Shame on us all! The table of priests and divines run with whine and echo with drunken noise and scurrilous jest, while in princes’ halls is heard only grave and modest conversation on points of morals or knowledge…that king of hours [Henry VIII of England] may bring back the golden age, though I shall not live or enjoy it, as my t ale draws to an end.
-Erasmus (quoted in Life and Letters of Erasmus by A. J. Froude)

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Martin Luther defending his ideas at the Diet of Worms

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Anatomical sketches –Leonardo Da Vinci

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