What Was Humanism?

The Renaissance was a time of new ideas, art, and learning in Europe. One of the most important ideas to shape this time was humanism. Humanism was a way of thinking that focused on the potential of people. It encouraged the study of history, literature, philosophy, and art—subjects known as the humanities.

Philosophy played a key role in shaping Renaissance values. Instead of focusing only on religious obedience, Renaissance thinkers began to ask questions about government, human behavior, and personal responsibility.

Humanists believed that people could shape their own lives and improve the world through knowledge and creativity. They looked back to the writings of ancient Greece and Rome for inspiration and believed that education made people better citizens and thinkers.

Petrarch and the Rise of Renaissance Thinking

One of the earliest humanist thinkers was Francesco Petrarch, an Italian scholar and poet. He loved ancient Roman literature and worked to recover and study lost classical texts. Petrarch believed that by learning about the past, people could understand human nature and lead more meaningful lives. His ideas helped spark the Renaissance movement, especially in Italy.

Erasmus: A Voice for Reform

In Northern Europe, a Dutch scholar named Desiderius Erasmus became one of the leading humanists. Erasmus studied religion, languages, and ancient texts. He believed that education could improve the Church and help people live more moral lives. Through books like The Praise of Folly, he used humor and reason to criticize problems in society and push for reform—while still remaining a loyal Christian.

Machiavelli and Political Thought

Not all Renaissance thinkers focused on religion. Niccolò Machiavelli, an Italian writer and government official, explored ideas about power and leadership. His book The Prince explained how rulers could gain and keep power, even if it meant being clever or dishonest. Though some saw his ideas as harsh, Machiavelli encouraged leaders to think realistically about politics and human behavior.

Renaissance Artists: Humanism in Action

Humanism wasn’t just found in books—it also shaped the art of the time. Instead of only painting religious scenes, artists began to show realistic people, emotions, and the natural world. They studied anatomy, perspective, and movement to make their art more lifelike.

Leonardo da Vinci was a perfect example of the “Renaissance man”—someone talented in many areas. He painted masterpieces like The Last Supper and Mona Lisa, and also studied science, engineering, and anatomy. His notebooks show how humanism encouraged curiosity and creativity.

Michelangelo was another great artist. He painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome and created powerful sculptures like David and Pietà. His art showed deep emotion and celebrated the beauty of the human form.

Although less well-known, Plautilla Nelli was a talented female artist and nun in Florence. She painted religious works and was inspired by other Renaissance artists. Nelli’s work shows that women, too, contributed to the rich culture of the Renaissance—despite the limits they faced.

A New Way of Thinking

Humanism helped shape a new way of looking at the world. It encouraged people to explore knowledge, express themselves, and study the past in order to build a better future. Through the works of philosophers like Petrarch, Erasmus, and Machiavelli, and artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Plautilla Nelli, the Renaissance became a time of cultural transformation that still influences the world today.

Source: Humanism and Renaissance Thinkers
Exploros, Inc.