Humanism and the Renaissance

Humanism and the Renaissance The Random House Dictionary of the English Language defines humanism as "1. Any system or mode of thought or action in which human interests, values, and dignity are taken to be of primary importance, as in moral judgments. 2. Devotion to or study of the humanities. 3. The studies, principles, or culture of the Humanists." But the true definition of humanism cannot be relegated to dictionary text alone; it must be expanded upon to …

…may have differed in their approaches to their faith, both shared a common goal- to attain salvation through their works. Typically, for the people of the Renaissance, life on earth was not a sad or bad place, but rather a place in which to foster the talents and abilities of human beings as far as they could be taken. They believed that humans should develop their potentialities; and that is the essence of all humanism.