Humanism is a progressive philosophy of life that, without supernaturalism, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives of personal fulfillment that aspire to the greater good of humanity. It is a rational philosophy based on belief in the dignity of human beings, informed by science and motivated by human hope and human compassion. According to Greer, the humanist way of thinking can be most broadly defined as any view that puts the human person (humanus) at the center of things and stresses the individual’s creative, reasoning, and aesthetic powers. Greer, Thomas H, and Gavin Lewis. A Brief History of the Western World, 9th ed. (Boston, MA: Wadsworth Publishing, 2005), 336. Humanism supports the maximization of individual liberty and opportunity consonant with social and planetary responsibility. It advocates the extension of participatory democracy and the expansion of the open society, standing for human rights and social justice. Free of supernaturalism, it recognizes human beings as part of nature and holds that values; be they religious, ethical, social, or political, have their source in human nature, experience and culture. Humanism thus derives the goals of life from human need and interest rather than from theological or ideological abstractions, and asserts that humanity must take responsibility for its own destiny.
The view of humanist is as old as the Greeks and Romans. It was referred to by Cicero, the greatest prose writer of the first century B.C, as the quality of mind and spirit that distinguishes human beings from mere animals. This quality of mind and spirit is expressed through literature. Humanism is divided into various forms; religious, secular, philosophical, Christian, Renaissance, modern, literary etc. Each of the various divisions has their meaning but the most important definition bores down to the fact that humans are highly specialized animals that deserve opportunities that will enhance comfort and sustainability in their environment. Humans must be responsible and act on their own to discover peace, love, luxury and hope in the world before God acts.
During the renaissance, humanism has great impact on the people and shaped the way civilization revolved around people during that age. According to Greer, the good life according to most renaissance thinkers is the life that is pleasing to the senses, intellect and aesthetic capacities. Greer, A Brief History of the Western World, 9th ed., 337. The people of the time had self interest for the human person. They wanted to create the opportunity for individuals to be free and proud and strive for mastery of the worthy arts because their ultimate values as humans will be measured in terms of their talent and accomplishments. The individuals who were successful are the ones who possess the quality of strength and virtuosity. These individuals’ minds are filled with thoughts of the world at the time to the extent that they never think about the world next. Thinking as a humanist has created competition during the renaissance for the human race to live a life that is fruitful and highly skillful.
Another great impact of humanism on the renaissance is how it shaped religion. Humanism ran counter to many Christian teachings during the renaissance. According to Greer, Humanist seemed to reject the doctrine of original sin and natural human sinfulness. They suggested that individuals could perform mighty deeds without divine assistance. Greer, A Brief History of the Western World, 9th ed., 337. The humanist way of thinking that humans are supernatural and could do anything without God has resulted in this crash among European Christians. However, it was resolved by some pious scholars at the time that even thought humans are highly appreciated in terms of power of reasoning and creativity; they received such powers as gift from God. That without God, all powers of man shall seem meaningless and devoid. Another area where humanism has great impact during the renaissance is education and lifestyle. Upon penetrating into the elementary and higher education system, humanism has taught new ways of life and how to dress to impress. People have adopted the lifestyle of “gentlemen” where they do not only study hard to impress but they dress to impress, it has shaped a new personality. The gentlemen took the place of the medieval king or the ascetic holy man. They are well refined, self controlled, have graceful manners, excellent taste and have a disciplined mind. There were manuals to teach people how to attain such proper behavior and virtues quickly. The Courtier, published in 1528 by an Italian nobleman, Baldassare Castiglone, was used by people who were impatient in attaining such proper virtues. Humanism can be seen as the cornerstone to our modern education of manners and etiquettes.
Humanism was exhibited in the arts during the Renaissance as well. The effects of humanism on Arts started in Italy and spread to the rest of Europe. The effects can be seen in painting, sculpture and architecture. One of the greatest painters, Giotto di Bondone, demonstrated his ingenuity in paintings from the lives of Christ and Virgin Mary on the side walls of the Arena Chapel in Padua. His paintings were one of the best of the time and his work was said to achieve a revolution in artistic technique. He demonstrated the humanist ideal of the many-sided genius, the person of strength and virtue.
To conclude humanism was exhibited in almost every part of life during the renaissance. This can be seen in various forms; education, art, painting, sculpture, literature, manners, dressing and lot more.
