by Kaitlyn King
Humanism is a philosophical and ethical point of view on education that is based on the studies of classic and principal literature. Humanists study the literary works of Greece and Rome regarding grammar, rhetoric, poetry, history, and moral philosophy. The Church is beginning to lose its influence as laymen take control of this change and in reviving the classic studies. The concept of humanism is focused on humanity’s potential for success and innovation. This perspective was established in the early 1400s, and is the predominant social philosophy at the moment. Humanism originated in Italian cities, where it currently has the most influence.
Petrarch, Machiavelli, and de Pizan are three notable literary humanists. Petrarch’s works explain the lack of connection between worldly achievements and a bond with God. In his manuscripts, Machiavelli justifies that humans are the ones responsible for their actions, not gods or supernatural beings. Christine de Pizan’s writings have a humanist view on education and study. De Pizan addresses cultural and relevant issues, such as what type of people should study what subjects of education.
Humanism defines and has motivated the Renaissance movement. Additionally, the development of humanism represents society’s withdrawal from religious dependence and its turn towards more practical, worldly, and intellectual explanations. The emphasis on humanity’s potential encourages the creation of advanced inventions and ideas. Humanism has, and hopefully will continue to have, a significant influence on today’s society.
The Significance of Humanism
While humanism is growing from the contributions of countless artists, poets, and scholars throughout Europe, Petrarch has the most significant impact. The “Father of humanism”, Petrarch, is a rising Italian scholar and poet. He is educated in the classic literature of Greece and is invested in promoting the study of these works. Petrarch recently uncovered forgotten Latin texts and has started a search for similar manuscripts in monastic libraries. From this, Petrarch hopes to uncover new material for all to study. If Petrarch continues his efforts, it is likely that he will further the progression of humanism and contribute to its success.
It seems that humanism is the defining factor of the Renaissance and is separating this new time from the Middle Ages. Humanistic contributions to society, though widespread, are mainly seen in the arts and in literature.
Humanism is changing the artistic society. Now that humanism has been introduced, Renaissance artists are no longer being seen as lowly craftspeople, but rather as respected and educated intellectuals. As opposed to a religious understanding of the world, humanism is a wide-ranging, intellectual form of observation. To reflect this worldly nature of humanism, paintings and other works of art are starting to feature non-religious subjects and themes. The space between holy figures and ordinary people are less visible now. For example, characters who would normally bear halos and other holy decorations are losing their sacred and extraordinary distinction. Saints and angelic figures are being painted into common and earthly landscapes, which is a contrast from their previous Heavenly settings. This artistic transition emphasizes the separation from religious focus and the Church. Rulers are taking notice of this movement. Leaders such as Cosimo de Medici, the “ruler” of Florence, encourage the humanistic aspects of the arts.
Humanistic artists such as Raphael, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci create art that highlight the human form and its features, and focus on humanistic principles. For example, Raphael’s artwork, School of Athens, depicts Greek philosophers and scholars. Leonardo da Vinci is in the process of creating inventions and designs that exemplify the meaning of Renaissance humanism and humanity’s potential for accomplishment.
Petrarch, the Father of Humanism.
Leonardo da Vinci's Vitruvian Man, a humanistic drawing.
Mona Lisa, one of Leonardo da Vinci's humanistic artworks.