The Modern Age in Europe — (A) Renaissance — Question 8

Humanism was regarded as the most remarkable phenomena of Renaissance. It was a product of the spread of education and learning. The word humanism was derived from the Latin words 'Studia humanitatis' (the studies of mankind). Basically it meant a decisive shift in concern for human as distinct from divine matters. Humanism extolled man and stressed his essential dignity. It was centred on the man of flesh and blood with all his earthly joys and sorrows. It opposed religious asceticism. It defended man's right to pleasure and the satisfaction of earthly desires and requirements.