IMPACT ON MEDIEVAL SOCIETYIMPACT ON MODERN SOCIETY
Nostradamus, more commonly known as Michel de Nostredame during the Medieval period in which he lived, aroused much controversy, confusion and fear concerning his supposed ability to predict apocalyptic events. Nostradamus and more so the publication of his prophecies titled "Les Prophecies" in 1555, was the cause of much controversial speculation concerning the validity of his prophecies.
Many factions of medieval society perceived Nostradamus' work in a variety of ways including being exceedingly heretical, fictitious and psychotic, whilst some revered his work and believed profoundly that his prophetic quatrains were spiritually inspired by supreme supernatural entities.
This controversy was major in the social development of Medieval France in which Nostradamus lived. This difference of opinion and more-so the fact that these opinions existed relatively cohesively, was crucial in society's development as it meant that society had grown considerably from once being irrational in their persecution of those who were deemed to be associating with the devil to markedly tolerant of different societal beliefs.
Nostradamus and more so his predictions have made a significant impact on the modern world through his controversial predictions of events which have occurred during the 20th and 21st Century.
Numerous full-length books, documentaries and movies containing his prophecies and their interpretations, a staple in supermarket tabloids which have found him useful for their prophecy articles, and a quantum leap into cyberspace with several web sites posting his predictions, have all combined to amplify his reputation as a “prophet.” Some of which include the rise of Hitler, the assassination of the Kennedy brothers, the death of Princess Diana, Hiroshima bombings, the September 11 attacks on the world trade center, the actions of Gaddafi and more popularly the end of the world in 2012. Victoria Lepage in her article "Nostradamus the Prophet of Hope" published in the Magazine New Dawn May 17th 2012 discusses the prevalence of Nostradamus and his prophecies in the 20th Century stating
"...Nostradamus saw the twentieth century as humanity's rubicon, a pivotal moment in history yielding a unique crisis of choice, of decision- a century of paradox in which enlightenment would spring from the deepest tribulation..."