Humanist Generation (Strauss-Howe Theory)

The Humanist Generation is the name given by sociologists to describe the generation of people, born 1461–1482. It is an identified cohort within the Strauss–Howe generational theory.[1]

This generation came of age at the height of the Middle Ages, just prior to the Reformation and Renaissance. For the educated classes life was fairly static, with Humanist teaching and a clear career path through the church or State becoming increasingly available for the educated middle classes. Humanist influences took hold across Europe, and in many ways prepared the intellectual landscape for the coming reformation. Their youth coincided with the development of the European Printing press allowing a greater dissemination of knowledge.[2]

Notable persons

Some of the notable persons who influenced this generation include Thomas More, Erasmus, Thomas Linacre, John Colet, Cardinal Wolsey, Michelangelo, Copernicus, Francisco Pizarro and Cesare Borgia.

King Edward V was also born into this generation, but as he died at only 15 years old, it is difficult to properly place him in this archetype. However, according to the historian Dominic Mancini Edward was very fascinated with science and philosophy, and was very well learned beyond his years.[3]

References

  1. ↑ Howe, Neil; Strauss, William, The Fourth Turning. (Broadway Books, 1997).
  2. ↑ The Printing Press.
  3. ↑ Dominic Mancini, The Usurpation of Richard III (1483), in A. R. Myers (ed.), English Historical Documents 1327–1485 (Routledge, 1996), pp. 330–3.


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