COVID-19: Does a Modern Renaissance Await Us?

The Bubonic Plague that fatally swept across Europe during the mid-14th century was followed by a period of classical rediscovery and cathartic endeavors, otherwise known as the Renaissance. Amid upheaval and changes in social structure, aesthetic ideals flourished thanks to the role of patronage and scholarship that supported the arts and radical advancements in science, politics, and philosophy.

Centuries later, the unprecedented arrival of COVID-19 has brought the world to a similar halt. The deadly virus is now causing countries to reexamine its domestic policies and is pushing for humanity to cooperate as we face food shortages and battle an unknown future.

The sudden rise of individualism and humanism during the Renaissance was likewise a response to its earlier famine and flawed political society. At the end of the Middle Ages, Europeans began encouraging the glorification of man through artistic expression and sought to model academic values like that of the Greeks and Romans. Inspired by ancient canons, these elements all served to represent humans as both sentient and rational beings.

In the age of COVID-19, our technology-dependent society is seeing a return to earlier forms of survival, social bonding, and political revolt.

Fortunately, the digital world has allowed communities to stay connected during an indefinite period of social distancing and remote work. For some, this time invites an appreciation for the mundanities of daily life. But while this way of life brings flexibility — and even unintended environmental benefits — many are finding themselves socially deprived or overwhelmed.

Will a resurgence of creativity occur as we isolate and learn to adapt with bare resources? If we look at history, prodigious creators attributed their most recognized work to reduced circumstances, solitude, or even divine intervention. Driven by intellectual thirst or spiritual hunger, such work has paved the way for our scientific, artistic, and political contemporaries. For example, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, both of whom inspired the term ‘Renaissance man,’ blended the study of anatomy with art, pursuing geometric mastery of the human form through works like ‘The Vitruvian Man’ and the marble sculpture of David.

With the closure of facilities worldwide and the pace of life slowing down, society has similarly begun to reconnect with creative activities, immersing themselves in artistic projects and building platforms to support communities largely impacted by COVID-19. Content is also being documented and consumed at an all-time high as technology becomes our modern storytelling device. From TikTok dance challenges to Instagram nominations, the public is expanding its creative bubble and keeping themselves entertained.

The fall of feudalism that gave rise to greater social mobility following the plague also guided the Renaissance towards educational reform. With the revival of classical texts and mathematical pursuits, it was believed that well-versed citizens contributed to a balanced society. Because of COVID-19, school closures worldwide have now forced students to adapt to more disciplined forms of learning such as virtual instruction and independent study. Parents are even turning into part-time educators as they flock towards homeschooling resources.

It’s unlikely Coronavirus will lead to a moral solidarity comparable to that of the Renaissance, but it’s possible innovative solutions and artistic inspiration will follow as a result of this pandemic. We now occupy a multi-talented workforce, and our centuries’ work will go on to do the same. If not a creative revolution, then a shift in our global paradigm can be expected.

As urgency surrounds this crisis, it’s at least worth noting the potential of our human race to transform and adapt during a time of great struggle.