5.3.3 Humanism The social and cultural developments of the Renaissance were greatly influenced by the ideas of Humanism. Humanism comes from the Latin word humanitas , but its meaning is broader than the translation ‘humanity’. Humanism involved the study of ancient Latin and Greek scholars. Humanists were influenced by ancient thinkers like Cicero, who argued that the mind must be cultivated through a broad education. This led to an expanded curriculum including mathematics, science, rhetoric, history, music and poetry. Humanists also believed in the potential of individuals to comprehend the world and influence society for the better. The Humanists encouraged people to use their talents to create, invent and explore. For example, Pico della Mirandola (1463–1494) was a Humanist who argued that God gave humans the potential to achieve great things if they used their talents. This led to great advances in science and mathematics, which will be discussed later. Some Humanists encouraged individuals to use their talents for the good of their local communities, which encouraged civic duty and pride.
Did you know? Marco Polo (c. 1254–1324) was a Venetian traveller who left Europe in 1271 to journey to Asia. Travelling by ship and then overland, Polo passed through the Middle East and across the Asian continent via the Silk Road to China, where he spent 17 years. Polo returned to Venice in 1295, bringing with him porcelain, silks, spices and jade, along with many tales of his extraordinary travels.
SOURCE3 From The Travels of Marco Polo , about the kingdoms and marvels of the East
Suju is a very great noble city. They possess silk in great quantities, from which they make gold brocade . . . and they live by their manufactures and trade. There are also in this city many great philosophers and diligent students of nature.
SOURCE4 A mosaic artwork of Marco Polo that can be found in Palazzo Tursi, in Genoa, Italy.
Jacaranda Humanities Alive 8 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
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