The Book of Courtier Baldesar Castiglione

The Book of Courtier Baldesar Castiglione

The Renaissance was a period prompted by the rebirth in classical culture. As classical culture resurfaced, it gradually awakened and inspired the human soul, leading to tremendous development in individuality. Humans took a gigantic stride away from barbarianism and distinguished themselves by focusing on intellectual progress. The capabilities of human nature unfolded as man studied all things including himself and others. The Renaissance period marks the growth of individual thought and the emphasis on moral character. Authors such as Baldesar Castiglione and Pico Della Mirandela provide literature, emphasizing self-hood as a tool to fashion the ideal self, which became a major theme of the Renaissance culture. It is possible that Dante's Inferno encouraged Pico and Castiglione to communicate the value of self- improvement in their writings.

Baldesar Castiglione outlines the ideal man in The Book of the Courtier. The text suggests that the cultured person is required to acquire grace and competence through situations, knowledge, love, and skills. These requirements are presented to the reader through the debates of several parties. One declares, "What the courtier especially requires in order to speak and write well, therefore, is knowledge, because the man who lacks knowledge and has nothing in his mind worth hearing has nothing worth writing and speaking." (The Courtier, 76) This supports the emphasis that is placed on intellectual progress alone. Aside from knowledge, Castiglione also stresses the importance of character as he recommends one to be "…modest and reserved, observing always, and especially in public, the reverence and respect which should mark...

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...ractise in all things a certain nonchalance which conceals all artistry and makes whatever one says or does seem uncontrived and effortless. (The Courtier, 67)

This supports the idea that Dante's work could have been a source or inspiration for these authors for it is possible that they adapted old ideals to complement the humanism point of view.

The Book of the Courtier, by Baldesar Castiglione, confirms the major preoccupation of the Renaissance culture with fashioning an ideal self. Castiglione communicates the characteristics one should have in order to achieve the ultimate self. Pico Della Mirandella's Oration on the Dignity of Man is another example of a text focusing on self-hood and self-improvement. It is possible that Dante's Divine Comedy could have influenced the gradual growth of these ideals, as he motivated individuals to live an ideal life.