Jeff Scudder
World History Honors
Individualism Essay

	The Renaissance idea of indiviualism can be compared to how americans think and act today. Both points in time are very alike. Learning is flourishing and so are the arts.
	In the Renaissance, the idea of not having to grow your own food was just beginning. But in America we have always known that idea. In older times people were excited that they could do something they loved for a living. They could earn money painting or drawing just like people can in America today. These ideas of individualism have many similarities. People don't have to grow their own food. They can work at one thing for a living. They get paid and patronized for doing their skill. People also are happy and glad to be all they can be in these two time periods.
	There are also many differences between these ideas. Individualism in the Renaissance was more of a career oriented idea than what we have In America. Today in our nation individualism means not following the crowd or dressing ho everyone else dresses, or listening to the same music as everyone else. Things like this just didn't exist during the Renaissance. It was more like, a pride in onself for the work they have done. For example when Michelangelo carved his name into his sculptures, he was proud and wanted to express himself and show people what he did.
	In conclusion, both ideas have their similarities and differences. But are generally the same. The Renaissance was more job oriented while present America is more socially oriented.