Humanism, also known as Renaissance humanism was an intellectual movement that originated in northern Italy during the 13th and 14th centuries and later spread through Europe and England. Humanism was using the study of classical texts to alter contemporary thinking, breaking with the medieval mindset and creating something new.
During the 14th century, humanism strengthened, diversified and spread with Florence remaining the epicentre. The three figures who was responsible to the rise of the humanist movement during this period were Petrarch, Boccaccio and Salutati.
Francesco Petrarch (1304-1374) called the Father of Italian humanism. He believed that Classical learning and Christian spirituality were not only compatible but also mutually fulfilling.
Giovanni Boccaccio (1313-1375) wrote an opus called Teseida (1340-41) which was even more revolutionary. But his most memorable contribution to humanism is the Decameron. The work is considered to be the root of western realism and it is also a monument to Ciceronian humanism. Although the work makes little mention of Classical thought, the tone was even more basic to the humanistic movement. It has an emphasis on the human capacity for self knowledge and willed renewal.
Coluccio Salutari (1331-1406) collected manuscripts which subject was morality and politics. He established principles of textural criticism that would become key elements of the humanistic method.
Cicero (the great Roman orator) was a core example for the humanists. He turns back to secular in his adoption called jibe.
Humanism affected by some humanists who argued that republics surpass the dominant monarchies. Greek also become more common among humanists even if they still prioritised Rome and Latin. One of the example was Lorenzo Valla who pushed for Biblical Humanism to bring people closer to the word of God that had been corrupted.
During this time humanist commentaries and writings were growing in fame and number. Some humanist began to turn away from reforming the world. They focused instead on a purer understanding of the past. Humanist thinkers also began to consider humanity more. They look at humanity as creators, world changers who made their own lives and who should finding themselves instead of trying to imitate Christ.
By the 1500s, humanism was the dominant form of education. The implementation of printing and publication brought new sectors of society under humanistic influence. Humanism was blooming everywhere until the mid 16th century, when it lost much of its power, as Europe engaged in a war of words, ideas and sometimes over the nature of Christianity.
Reference
Encyclopedia Britannica. 2021. humanism | Definition, Principles, History, & Influence. [online] Available at: <https://www.britannica.com/topic/humanism> [Accessed 5 March 2021]
KRISTELLER, PAUL OSKAR. “HUMANISM.” Minerva, vol. 16, no. 4, 1978, pp. 586–595. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/41820353. Accessed 5 March 2021
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