In any great movement, sooner or later enthusiasm begins to wane. The study of Latin and Greek, which, to the humanists, was a method of getting at the kernel of classical culture, became formalized into an uninspiring routine discipline. Many writers became mere imitators of the ancients. Art degenerated into such extravagances as baroque sculpture and architecture. Individualism often became a mere cloak for unclassical lack of moderation and self-discipline. Rulers often adopted the view that the end justified the means, and the end was likely to be a selfish exercise of power. Such views are called Machiavellian, from Machiavelli of Florence (1 469-1 527), author of 'The Prince', a book on statecraft. All this and more may be said in criticism of the late Renaissance; yet, the inspiration derived from humanism has continued to our own time.
In the early modern age, the creative spirit found expression in many ways--in the writings of Rabelais, Cervantes, and Shakespeare; in the music of Palestrina; in the invention of the operatic form of music; in the perfection of the violin by the master craftsmen of Cremona; in the introduction of three of the greatest inventions of all time--the compass, gunpowder, and the printing press; in the work of the scientists, such as Copernicus, Vesalius, and Galileo; in the formation of strong central governments; in the building of cities; in the reorganization of business; in the adventurous voyages of Diaz, Vasco da Gama, Columbus, and Magellan; and in the marvelous energy displayed by Europeans in carrying their civilization to all parts of the world.