The central idea in Tuchman's analysis is that the medieval worldview prioritized spiritual life and the afterlife over earthly existence, believing that the divine held greater value than material concerns. This belief system was predominant in the Middle Ages but has significantly changed in modern times, where individual worth and active engagement in life have taken precedence, even among contemporary Christians. As a result, the focus on spirituality that defined the earlier period has been overshadowed by a more secular outlook.

This shift in perspective marks a pivotal transformation from the Middle Ages to the modern era. The emphasis on individualism and the significance of earthly life have reshaped society, leading to developments that diverged from the medieval focus on God and the spiritual realm. Tuchman's insights illustrate how these changing values not only marked the end of an age but also laid the foundation for the modern world as we know it.