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On page 117 it states, “To them at least it did not seem obvious that the search on which they embarked was only a polite scroll onto well-trodden ground.” in regards to how Petrarch and his followers saw themselves. I found this interesting as I never thought about the possibility of certain ideas or techniques existing prior to the known creation. Moreover, I thought it was funny how egotistical and prideful these popular thinkers were of what they believed to be revolutionary ideas–when in reality they were just reiterations of previous ideas. Additionally, I’m curious if this behavior is a recurring cycle–like how often was an idea reborn? 

Another thing that I found compelling was how Poggio came from a rough background yet was able to find a way to live a comfortable life. For example, the text explains how he was not close with his siblings (one of whom passed away) and lived an impoverished life (112). Somehow, he was able to use his handwriting as a way to become a scribe and earn a living. Following reading this, I wonder how different his life would be if he did not possess this talent, particularly at a young age. 

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A world to text connection I made was the significant impact that the Black Plague could have played in regard to the slave trade. Greenblatt explains that following the millions that died during the Black Plague, there was a labor shortage which resulted in the increase of imported African slaves as well as enslaved individuals from other nations nearby (113). While enslaving individuals was unfortunately nothing out of the ordinary throughout even the very beginning of civilizations, I am curious to know how much was a result of the increased use of slave labor in Europe during the 14th century. 

Q- Is it harder to invent or have a new idea in the modern world due to all that has been found or invented? Or do the resources (education, previous research/knowledge, technology) make it easier?