1. Renaissance: Humanism
The big question…..
Are you a Humanist???

2. Europe at the end of the Middle Ages was ready for a change
Europe at the end of the Middle Ages was ready for a change. The Crusades and the Plague were sparks propelling Europe into a new era. As a result of the Crusades, trade increased between Europe and the outside world. As Europeans came into contact with Middle Eastern and Arab Scholars they discovered many Greek and Roman texts that had been lost for centuries. This desire for Roman and Greek writings led to the Renaissance, a time when Greek, Roman and Judeo Christian traditions came together.

3. In Italy during the 1400’s, scholars began studying Roman and Greek writings. These Renaissance scholars wanted to learn more about the literature, art, architecture, poetry, and history of Ancient Rome and Greece.

4. These scholars were latter called humanists because they studied the classics or the humanities. They undoubtedly spent a lot of time learning Greek and Latin so they could read these sources from the Greeks and Romans.

5. Humanism began in Padua, Italy when people who were paid to write letters and documents began to copy the format of Roman poetry. They also began to translate some of the great texts written by Roman and Greek writers.
The Iliad

6. 3 1.Individual Worth 2. Commitment to public service
Renaissance Humanists focused on three main ideas of the Greeks and Romans.
1.Individual Worth
2. Commitment to
public service
3. Development of a
variety of skills and talents. 3

7. 1) Individual Worth
People could improve themselves by studying and reflection
Heaven #1 #2
Success on earth rather than afterlife

8. 2) Dedicated to Public Service
a. Build public buildings
b. Encourage the Arts
Wealthy people paid for it so everyone could enjoy it

9. 3) Have a Variety of Skills
Science
English
History
People need a well rounded knowledge
People could achieve anything, no limits to their accomplishment

10. Now back to the big question… Are you a Humanist???