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 include its origins and historical significance. The ancient Greeks and Romans first developed the idea of humanism as a very simplistic idea- to achieve excellence in life through one's own accomplishments and endeavors.For hundreds of years, this was the primary definition of humanism. That all changed during the fourteenth century. A rebirth in an interest in things classical or ancient Greek and Roman encompassed geographic areas spanning from Italy to northern Europe. This movement became known as the Renaissance. The Renaissance incorporated ideas from the past with renewed passions in science, history, poetry, languages, and, most importantly, religion. Mirroring the ideas and theories of this era, new definitions of humanism were formulated during the Rena
I have placed you at the very center of the world, so that from that vantage point you may with greater ease glance round about you on all the world contains. We have made you a creature neither of heaven nor of earth, neither mortal nor immortal, in order that you may, as the free and proud shaper of your own being, fashion yourself in the form you may prefer. It will be in your power to descend to the lower, brutish forms of life; you will be able, through your own decision, to rise again to the superior orders whose life is divine. And of all the infinite universes of humanity, these people are the most guileless, the most devoid of wickedness and duplicity, the most obedient and faithful to their native masters and to the Spanish Christians whom they serve. They are by nature the most humble, patient, and peaceable, holding no grudges, free from embroilments, neither excitable nor quarrelsome. These people are the most devoid of rancors, hatreds, or desire for vengeance of any people in the world. Throughout the text, de las Casas refers to the Indians as "lambs" and the Spaniards as "wolves" or other carnivorous animals: "And those lions and tigers attacked the helpless sheep." This symbolism can be traced back biblical texts that depict sheep representing good and wolves personifying evil. De las Casas believed that the Spaniards, rather than promoting Christianity, were giving their faith a bad name: As a Christian Humanism, de las Casas wanted to end this destruction and bring Christianity to the Indies in a peaceful manner. His purpose was not only to save the Indians, but also save his fellow Spaniards from the wrath of God: Bartolome de las Casas was a member of the Dominican Preaching Order during the Renaissance. He, like Pico della Mirandola, also preached humanism. But the type of humanism de las Casas practiced varied in emphasis. De las Casas was a Christian humanist. To a certain extent, Christian humanists were further removed from classical humanism than the Renaissance humanists. Although all human
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1387
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)
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