1.3 Individualism and Humanism

Humanism defined

Humanism was an intellectual movement based on the study of classical Greek and Roman texts, emphasizing human potential, reason, and secular achievement alongside faith. Humanists like Petrarch studied rhetoric, history, and moral philosophy to cultivate virtù — civic virtue and excellence — encouraging active engagement in worldly affairs rather than pure monastic withdrawal.

Individualism rises

Individualism stressed the unique value, talents, and achievements of the individual person. This shift appeared in self-portraiture, biography, and autobiography, and in the ideal of the "Renaissance Man" — a person skilled in many fields, exemplified by figures like Leonardo da Vinci. Patrons commissioned art celebrating personal fame and legacy, not just religious devotion.

Civic humanism & education

Civic humanism linked classical learning to public service, arguing educated citizens should actively participate in politics and society, especially in Italian city-states like Florence. Humanist education (studia humanitatis) trained elites in grammar, rhetoric, poetry, and history, producing statesmen and secretaries who applied classical models to contemporary governance and diplomacy.

Key terms

Humanism

Intellectual movement centered on studying classical Greek/Roman texts to develop reason, virtue, and secular achievement.

Individualism

Emphasis on the unique worth, talents, and achievements of individual persons, seen in art, biography, and self-portraiture.

Virtù

The Renaissance ideal of personal excellence and civic virtue individuals should cultivate.

Civic humanism

Belief that classical education should prepare citizens for active participation in political and public life.

Renaissance Man

Ideal of a versatile individual skilled in multiple fields, exemplified by Leonardo da Vinci.

Try an AP-style question

Renaissance humanism emphasized…

1. rejecting Greek and Roman ideas entirely
2. reading religious scripture and nothing else
3. running scientific experiments and nothing else
4. studying classical texts and human achievement