1. The Renaissance Man - the Measure of all Things
A “rebirth” that
Begins in the Italian city-states (1300s+,)
Moves north (1500s+,)
Inspires protest (Reformation,)
Dares to venture abroad (Voyages of Discovery,)
and over time, Ignites revolutions (scientific, English, American, French, Russian, etc..)

2. The Renaissance
An expression of change and creativity that shaped how people saw themselves and the world as reflected by:
A new world view
A spirit of adventure
Humanism
The new practices and ideas confined to an elite – did not effect the ordinary person.
It witnessed an extraordinary flowering of genius.

3. A New Worldview
Renewed enthusiasm for the classical world including languages and learning.
Emphasis on the “here and now” and individual achievement.
Belief in man’s many and varied talents.

4. A Spirit of Adventure Beyond Europe: voyages of discovery
Intellectual curiosity and skepticism

5. Renaissance Humanism
Revival of classical education: languages, grammar, poetry, rhetoric, history
Judgments based on the light of personal experience.
Learning used to seek a
happy life.
François Rabelais: Fais ce que tu voudras.
(Do what you want.)

6. Love of learning make us truly human. ('studia humanitatis.' )*
To each species of creatures has been allotted a peculiar and instructive gift. Galloping comes naturally to horses, flying to birds. To man only is given the desire to learn…
For learning and virtue are peculiar to man.
*Battista Guarino (1459)