The chapter discusses the cultural transformations in Europe from the fourteenth to seventeenth centuries, highlighting the emergence of a distinct urban culture and the revival of Greek and Roman intellectual traditions through humanism. Key figures like Jacob Burckhardt emphasized the importance of individual capability and decision-making, contrasting modern beliefs with the medieval mindset. The chapter also details how scientific advancements and shifting political landscapes contributed to these cultural shifts, notably through the contributions of artists and thinkers in cities like Florence and Venice.