Renaissance Humanism

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Many diverse ideas flourished during the European Renaissance which had a lasting impact on the world. Humanism is a worldview and a moral philosophy that considers humans to be of primary importance. The aspect of humanism first thrived in 14th century Italy, and later spread north in the 15th century. Initially humanistic ideas about education were quickly adopted by the Italian upper class. The Italian ideas and attitudes towards life and learning impacted nobility in other parts of Europe. They were able to accept and adapt to this new lifestyle. Humanism during the Renaissance helped to spread ideas about the basic nature of human beings, how people should be educated to become well rounded individuals, and how education impacts an individual’s life.

Humanist’s presented a new outlook on the basic nature of human beings. The idea that God made every man unique was a key element in this new philosophy and changed the perspective of people around Europe. According to Giovanni Pico Della Mirandloa’s Oration on the Dignity of Man, “ At last the best of artisans ordained that that creature to whom He had been able to give nothing proper to himself … of whatever had been peculiar to each of the different kinds of being” ( doc.1). The perception that God created man to be a unique creature with qualities exclusive to themselves allowed anyone to achieve great goals. Humans began to believe that they were the pinnacle beings of their civilization which ultimately allowed them to strive in human ingenuity and human effort rather than divine grace. Humans were regarded optimistically in terms of what they could do, not just in the arts and sciences, but also morally. In addition, the thought that every man had the ability to think an...

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...arning and wisdom, is indeed much like a fair ship, having wind and tide at will” (doc.3). Monarchs with strong leadership are the basis of educated government officials, which ultimately lead to stronger, more confident countries. The citizens of these powerful countries were impacted by influential leaders who created superior lives for everyone.

Over the course of the Renaissance ideas about the basic nature of human beings, how people should be educated to become well rounded individuals, and how education impacts an individual’s life were spread throughout England. Renaissance humanism was a revolution in thinking and feeling, which left no part of the European society, not even the highest levels of Christianity, untouched. Education continues to be important in today’s world by establishing successful carriers for many people of the global society.

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