Ad fontes. This Latin expression, meaning "back to the sources," was a major theme during the Renaissance. Scholars, artists, and influential thinkers looked back to the Greeks and the Romans for inspiration in their perspective fields. In a recent discussion with a few classmates of mine, we determined the theme of ad fontes was the driving force that led to other Renaissance themes, such as humanism.
As important as the theme of ad fontes was to the Renaissance, we felt it had an even greater impact on the Reformation. Indeed, the concept of going back to the sources sparked the whole movement. Without the foundation of ad fontes, there would have been no Protestant Reformation. In this way, the Renaissance ultimately brought about the Reformation.
