1. The Plan… Renaissance Unit Day #3 Renaissance Thought

2. What did the Renaissance present? The Renaissance promoted new and different viewpoints Artists, writers, scientists, and even priests began to focus more on the goals of human beings and the truth rather that teaching such things as the teachings of the church These people were called Humanists: A system of thought that rejects religious beliefs and centers on humans and their values, capacities, and worth They believed that each person had the ability to chose and create his or her own destiny…

3. How Society changed… It soon was considered “trendy” to read good books, see great works of art, and travel widely The “tourist” was born… Humanists believed in the power of reason to find truth, instead of relying on the bible Francesco Petrarch – one of the first humanists – was a big fan of the Roman empire. He did his best to ensure manuscripts (stories) of this past time were correct, so to delight and inspire future generations He was known as the true “Renaissance Man”

4. Important figures of Renaissance Period Machiavelli – an anti-humanist… He would write of the troubled politics that surrounded the Renaissance period (15 th & 16 th Century) Felt that it was “the duty” of the “Prince” is to maintain power and remain in control of his people. Machiavelli saw people as “wretched creatures” who had to be forced by a strong ruler (prince) to behave properly Some people accepted this view, some people condemned him as evil… See page 223 in text

5. Important figures from Renaissance II… Savonarola - Preacher who fought for social equality He addressed the problems associated with the church, in regards to it becoming extremely wealthy while many people were still very poor Also felt that the church asserted too much power on the people in regards to politics and day to day life The “luxuries” associated with wealth and power were “bad” He devoted his life to “reforming the corruption” in the church In the end this cost him his life; he, along with his friends, were hung and then burned – their ashes were thrown into the Arno River in Florence