5.8. A New Concept of Human Beings

One of the features of humanist culture was a slackening of the control of religion over human life. Italians were strongly attracted to material wealth, power and glory, but they were not necessarily irreligious.

During the humanist movement, the grip of religion on daily life began to loosen. While people were still religious, they started to become more interested in worldly matters such as wealth and success. This marked a shift away from the idea that one's life should be entirely dictated by religious beliefs.

Think of it like a student who has always been told to focus solely on studying for exams. As they grow older, they realize that having hobbies and interests outside of school can lead to a happier and more fulfilling life. Similarly, people during the Renaissance began to see the value in pursuing personal ambitions along with their spiritual lives.

Francesco Barbaro (1390-1454), a humanist from Venice, wrote a pamphlet defending acquisition of wealth as a virtue. In On Pleasure, Lorenzo Valla (1406-1457), who believed that the study of history leads man to strive for a life of perfection, criticised the Christian injunction against pleasure.

In this new cultural perspective, acquiring wealth was seen not as a vice but as a positive trait. Humanist thinkers argued that enjoying life's pleasures and striving for success were important aspects of the human experience. This was a departure from the traditional Christian view that often considered wealth and pleasure sinful.

Imagine living in a society where everyone is told to find joy only in giving away all their belongings. Then, someone suggests that finding joy in pursuing passions and achieving personal goals is also valuable. Just like that shift in thinking, humanists believed that both pleasure and wealth could contribute to a richer life.

Humanism also implied that individuals were capable of shaping their own lives through means other than the mere pursuit of power and money. This ideal was closely tied with the belief that human nature was many-sided, which went against the three separate orders that feudal society believed in.

Humanism emphasized the idea that individuals have the power to shape their own destinies, not solely through wealth or status but also through their choices, actions, and personal characteristics. This view rejected the rigid class divisions of feudal society, which categorized people into clear cut roles.

Think of a young artist from a humble background who strives to become recognized for their talent rather than being confined to a specific social class. This artist's journey embodies the humanist belief that anyone, regardless of their birth, can impact their life and society.

Niccolo Machiavelli wrote about human nature in the fifteenth chapter of his book, The Prince (1513). 'So, leaving aside imaginary things, and referring only to those which truly exist, I say that whenever men are discussed (and especially princes, who are more exposed to view), they are noted for various qualities which earn them either praise or condemnation.'

Machiavelli's analysis of human nature in politics was revolutionary. He recognized that people have varied qualities—some good and some bad—and that these traits influence their actions and decisions, especially in leadership. He believed that understanding these traits is crucial for effective governance.

Consider a sports team with players of different skills and backgrounds. The coach needs to understand each player's strengths and weaknesses to lead the team effectively, just as Machiavelli suggested leaders should understand the diverse qualities of people.

The new ideal of individuality and citizenship excluded women. Men from aristocratic families dominated public life and were the decision-makers in their families. They educated their sons to take their place in family businesses or in public life, at times sending their younger sons to join the Church.

The advancements of humanist culture did not extend to women, who were largely excluded from the ideals of individuality and public participation. In most families, women had limited influence and were often relegated to roles that focused on household duties.

Think about a company where only men are promoted to leadership positions while women are expected to stay in support roles. It reflects a society that does not recognize women's potential to contribute equally, similar to how women were sidelined during the Renaissance.

A few women were intellectually very creative and sensitive about the importance of a humanist education. 'Even though the study of letters promises and offers no reward for women and no dignity', wrote the Venetian Cassandra Fedele (1465-1558),...

Despite the limitations placed on women, some, like Cassandra Fedele, advocated for women's education and intellectual engagement. Fedele's writings emphasized that women had the right to aspire to scholarly achievements, challenging the societal norms of her time.

Imagine a girl in a conservative family who dreams of becoming a scientist despite being told it's a man's world. Her determination mirrors the struggles of women like Fedele, who pushed against societal expectations for education and creativity.

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