1. Homework
R-1 due Friday.
Next current events article due Monday, April 3.

2. Aim #2: What new values emerged during the Italian Renaissance?
Which reason that you read about yesterday do you think was MOST important in causing the Renaissance to start in Italy?

3. I. New Ideas of the Italian Renaissance
Classicism: Renewed interest in works, ideas and values of the Greeks and Romans.
Humanism: A philosophy that celebrates humans
Human beings have unlimited potential: We can accomplish anything, and improve ourselves and the world around us.
Human emotions and experiences are worth studying and understanding.
Individualism: Every individual matters and should pursue their own desires and goals.
How was this different from the way human beings were viewed during the Middle Ages?

4. I. New Ideas of the Italian Renaissance
C. Francisco Petrarch ( ): “Father of Humanism.”
Great poet and writer who recognized that humanity is living at the dawn of a new age of intellectualism and culture after a thousand years of Medieval darkness.
Loves classical learning
Writes of his romantic love for Laura in the vernacular.

5. I. New Ideas of the Italian Renaissance
D. Change in Attitude about Life
a. Middle Ages: What did people focus on during this period?
b. Renaissance
Secular lifestyle: Enjoying life on Earth and the here and now, not focusing as much on religion and the afterlife. Examples: food, music, theater, painting, beautiful clothing, etc.
“How beautiful is youth that is always slipping away! Whoever wants to be happy, let him be so: of tomorrow there’s no knowledge.”
- Lorenzo Medici

6. I. New Ideas of the Italian Renaissance
b. Renaissance (continued)
Nobles are encouraged to be “Renaissance Men”
Baldassare Castiglione’s The Courtier (1528) → guide for nobles on how to become a Renaissance man.

7. Critical Thinking Questions
Of the following individuals, which one do you think BEST fits the definition of a “Renaissance man (or woman)” and why:
Steve Jobs
Oprah Winfrey
Walt Disney
Bill Gates
Barack Obama
Choose your own example
Is it possible to be a Renaissance man/woman in the 21st century? Do you think it is a worthwhile goal for people to strive for? Why or why not?