Humanism was formed during the renaissance. It’s a philosophical way of thinking and it influences how individuals think about things around them along with themselves. Humanism centers around humans ourselves and ignores religious influences. Some key factors of humanism include: Art, Literature, Education, Trade and Commerce, and Religion.

Before Humanism, Renaissance art was mostly religious, depicting religious scenes form the Bible or other religions. Artists found inspiration in the Bible and created masterpieces based on them. However, though humanism encouraged the people to be uninfluenced by religion and introduced elements like secularism and individualism, artists still made great religious art. Some of the famous religious art include da Vinci’s The Last Supper, or Madonna in the Meadow by Raphael. Most artists decided to focus on none religious art and more on illusionary and one point linear perspective. Some also started studying the human body and artists like Leonardo da Vinci even started dissecting the human body for better visuals.

Education also changed after humanism came into the picture. Humanists introduced a curriculum called Studia Humanitatis, also known as Humanities in present day. Humanities include grammar, history, poetry, moral philosophy, and rhetorics etc. In modern times, we take Humanities as a “core” subject. I would theorize that we study similar things in humanities such as reading, writing, and history. Unfortunately ISB does not offer Philosophy in middle school, but I am sure some international schools or good boarding school offers Philosophy courses that were originated from the Italian Renaissance, more specifically, Humanism.

The literature was also effected by the sudden spawn of humanism. Classic works were revived due to the renewed interest in old Greek and Roman text. Near by, the UK also experienced a British Renaissance. Many famous writers like William Shakespeare were from this time period. Shakespeare’s works shaped the logic and viewpoint of most authors, which influenced the modern times even more. Writers also began exploring new themes like individualism and secularism. Which caused a broadened scope of literature and more room for storytelling.

Humanism caused trade routes to increase and prompted cultural exchange. It also made many nobles invest in art and education. Which gave many artists like da Vinci and Michelangelo opportunities to create. The frequency of exchange caused the city states to become extremely competitive. Therefore promoting and pushing the entire Renaissance period forward. One of the richest and most successful families during the Renaissance and Humanism period include the Medici family. The Medici family controlled city states like Florence, they ruled the renaissance for over three centuries. Some powerful members also include Popes and landlords.

Humanism changed religion during the renaissance by encouraging people to think as individuals that are not influenced by religion. This also caused a questioning on God and many religious beliefs. It also threatened the power of church and religious ceremonies.

Humanism continues to influence how we think today. For example education nowadays value creativity and personal development. It also changed our way of education. As said before, humanism revived the study of old texts along with history, philosophy, and literature etc. Today, we are still taught in schools about the past and the skills of reading and writing. Humanities is also being taught in our school as one of the “core” classes.

What is Humanism to me?

Personally, I have always been taught to be a humanist. However, deep down, I am wavering between being a humanist and being theocentric. Years ago, I was impulsive and ruthless; I never thought about religion or anything at all, actually. Being a humanist means ignoring or putting aside religious influences and focusing on humanity itself. It is a way of thinking that centers around us, rather than religion. To me, religion serves as an explanation for things that happen unexpectedly and inexplicably. God, to me, is simply a better explanation than anything else—at least when I am too tired or surprised to think any further. My humanist side takes over when I am surrounded by thoughtful people and when I am eager to learn. ism has indeed benefited our society and promoted education. It values people and their experiences, emphasizing kindness as a means to improve life. Instead of depending on religious beliefs, humanism suggests that we should find meaning in life and strive to build a humane society. I agree that kindness makes life better and that we should not always rely on religious beliefs. However, my religion helps me calm down and gives me something to pray to during desperate times. Religion provides hope, and as Charles Dickens once said: “It’s always something to know you’ve done the most you could. But don’t leave off hoping, or it’s of no use doing anything. Hope, hope to the last.”

Throughout this project, I have come to the realization that I am, in fact, half a humanist. I believe in data and statistics, but I can be easily convinced and influenced by religious stories and legends. I often conclude that God is real after hours of theorizing and analyzing different events that have recently occurred in my life. Somehow, my conclusions always lead to the same answer: God is true; everything is meant to be. Some might call my logic unclear and nonsensical because religion cannot be proven and there is simply no evidence. I am still very confused at this point because their point does stand: there is no evidence for the existence of God. However, there is this rebellious side of me that strongly disagrees—there is also no evidence for the nonexistence of God. Therefore, this paragraph concludes that I am a very confused person, half humanist and half theocentric.

Humanism also impacted my musical journey.

As a music player and lover, the renaissance and humanism shaped many composers during the classical and romantic periods. It impacted how many great composers think and write. Further impacting how and what many artists play in modern days.

Green and Yellow Classic English Literature Timeline Period Infographics by Jean Chen [STUDENT]