answersLogoWhite

0

It was never the purpose of monks to have an impact on society - the opposite was true, since they removed themselves from all contact with society and remained secluded and apart from ordinary people.

In that sense monks themselves had no effect at all on Europe; but their work and activities certainly did. Monasteries provided opportunities for education, opportunities for employment and for a long-term and relatively safe form of lifestyle. They provided centres of knowledge (in their libraries) on law, science, philosophy, religion, the history of the Church, current affairs, medicine and much more. They offered medical assistance in their infirmaries; they offered free overnight accommodation in their hospitals (guest-houses) and places of safe and inviolable sanctuary for those accused by the law.

By preserving, copying and exchanging books the monastic libraries kept ancient knowledge alive, even if most people could never access it (since they could not read); many of these books survive today thanks to the work of monastic scribes.

Finally, monastic architecture from the medieval period is as good as any cathedral or church and there are many examples open to visitors across Europe.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

What else can I help you with?