Humanism was a major part
of life for Roman and Greek citizens in the 15th century. Humanism
was the city states main intellectual experience with a concern for
Greek and Roman literature. Everything from poetry, geography, and
science were taught but a humanities (a philosophical focus of man in
society) became the main focus. Young men who were destined to hold
leading social positions for practical life were taught humanities
from a young age until about 13 or 14 unless they planned to work in
a church. Lower middle class boys started a trade at around age 7.
A humanist from the time
quoted that, “Without knowledge of Greek, Latin scholarship itself
is, in any real sense impossible.” Poetry was a guide and a shaper
for men. Humanists loved and valued Dante, however there became a
great debate between the use of poetry linked to Christianity. They
believed that nothing moved passions more effectively than the power
of language. This being a reason that humanism was so valued.
Humanists perceived that public men need the art of rhetoric, the
power to bring conviction to different minds. This was especially an
urged study for princes, noblemen, statesmen, and citizens. It was
important for them to convey ideas to the public and persuade them
about their ideas in order to be a good ruler. To be able to speak
and write with elegance was a clear advantage. Humanists looked to
history to see what it could tell them about their own experiences.
Knowing that history repeats itself and knowing what they could do
differently when it did could only help them further themselves in
society and become all around better.
