The Renaissance was influenced by Humanism, which was a period of transition from the
Middle Ages to the Modern Age. In it, characteristics such as classicism, realism and the
discovery and appreciation of classical study emerged. The Renaissance sought to understand
how human beings really behave, valuing real and everyday experiences. They had a critical
and questioning attitude towards established knowledge. The Renaissance also valued
individualism and personal expression.
The Renaissance began in Italy and was influenced by humanism. During this period, artists
such as Michelangelo, Donatello and Leonardo da Vinci rose to prominence. The ideal of
Renaissance Man was to trust his abilities and develop his talents. Compared to the Middle
Ages, there was a greater appreciation of human abilities and an emphasis on action to change
the world. The Renaissance brought back Greco-Roman ideas and had a significant impact on
the fine arts.
FEATURED FIGURES DURING HUMANISM
Erasmus of Rotterdam:
Erasmus of Rotterdam was an incisive critic of the practices of the clergy at the time. He
believed in an education based on the study of fundamentals. His conciliatory, tolerant, level-
headed attitude was not popular at the time. He sought to resume the patristic tradition through
the study of the Holy Scriptures. Although he tried to adopt a peacemaking stance in opposition
to Luther, he was unsuccessful. In 1524, he criticized Luther and defended the reality of free
will. He was considered too Protestant for Catholics and too Catholic for Protestants.
Thomas More:
Thomas More was a friend of Erasmus of Rotterdam. His works describe the structure of an
idealized society. "Utopia" portrays a totally rationally ordered society and is also considered a
critique of the reality of the time. Family life was important to him, and he educated his family
(wife and children) in humanism classicism, including music, literature, and languages. More
promoted the persecution of Protestants and was fervently Catholic. He refused to recognize
the annulment of the king's marriage to his first wife, which led to accusations of treason and
ultimately to his beheading.
Luther:
Luther started the Protestant Reformation.
Niccolò Machiavelli:
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