Philosophy
Although no one understands exactly why the renaissance began it is probably a combination of factors including the transition to capitalism from the futile system and the great works of antiquity (Homer and so forth) being seen for the first time outside of the Byzantine Empire resulting in the philosophy of Humanism as it stood in the thirteenth century. This revival of Greco-Roman knowledge ultimately sparked an ideal of physical and mental education that was the backbone of the period. This flowed into the art and science of the time so as demonstrated by di Vinci's Vitruvian man, an attempt to draw a perfectly proportioned man as stated by an author from the first century BC. However, where the renaissance clearly caused an immediate flourish of art, developing the concept of perspective in painting it's effects on science are more complex, with humanism emphasizing man above all else and embracing Aristolan principles initially in balance with a greater understanding of science and mathematics triggered by the same rise in translation that caused Humanism and encouraged the study of humanity first.
Humanism was not a religion. It was exclusive from Christianity but more of a fresh lens to view the world through; this is the main difference between religion and philosophy. In conclusion, I believe that philosophy is one of the most under appreciated yet most important aspects of shifting culture.
