Linton 1 Alex Linton Mrs.

Fleming European History AP 30 September 2013 The Renaissance: Nature of Man Although it is true that the beginning of the Italian Renaissance in the 14th century ushered in a new, topical style of thinking, the movement in itself was not without fluctuation in the views of Renaissance thinkers. Throughout this time period, Italian and European culture saw a distinct change in the nature of man. Certain individuals of the time period differed significantly in their views and reasoning of the Renaissance. It is true that a general idea of the common Renaissance man was evident during this time period, however the identity of that movement cannot be simplified into one view held by a continent of Renaissance thinkers. The writings and publications of innovative thinkers of the time including Machiavelli, Giovanni Pico, and Francesco Petrarch come to represent similar yet notably unique perspectives into the reflection that occurred during the Italian Renaissance. These exclusive portions of Renaissance thinking could be broken up into an illimitable amount of theses, however there are three central ideals that offer distinctive insight into the writings and progress of Renaissance writers, artists, and musicians. The first significant portion of Renaissance thinking pertains to the secular opportunity of man, and focus singularly upon any humans potential, viewed as an organic maturation into success, rather than simply an asset handed down from God. Second, the similar view of the limitlessness of human potential, yet integrated with Gods interaction and component into that individuals actions and growth. Lastly, a third and slightly more individualistic view arises that rather analyzes the course of man in ones life and the steps they should take towards a certain lifestyle.

Linton 2 First off, the idea of man having the ability to achieve a wide variety of skills and talents is one commonly celebrated as a product of Renaissance thinking. However, certain connotations can differ in the origin of these talents and the factors involved with the unlimited potential of man. In Francesco Petrarchs Letter to Posterity, he writes in regards to his varied and successful nature in lifestyle, notably secular and without influence of God mentioned: I possess a well-balanced rather than a keen intellect-one prone to all kinds of good and wholesome study, but especially to moral philosophy and the art of poetry (Document 5). Petrarch directly talks about his wholesome study habits and wide variety of academic interest, yet credits no direct relationship to God in either his personal endeavors nor the endeavors and interests of other humans during the Renaissance period. Therefore, this opinion of Petrarchs supports the view that although it is true that humans have an incredible potential and one that can expand remarkably, God is not directly credited with this creation. This view represents the growth of secularism at the time and interest into the sciences and human resources, rather than Gods invention and influence upon humans. Second, a common view of the Renaissance era was that of Gods intervening and role in giving humans the unlimited potentiality to grow and succeed, as opposed to the limited environment of other creatures. Writers of the time that obtained this opinion of the nature of man insisted that God had purposely created humans as a freed organism; one that can exist and make its own decisions without being confined to predetermined conditions. Giovanni Pico supported this view in his Oration on the Dignity of Man, claiming As man is born, the Father has planted in him seeds of every sort, shoots of every life; those which each man cultivates will grow, and bear their fruits in him. If

Linton 3 these are vegetables, he will become a plant; if sensual, a brute; if rational, a heavenly being; if intellectual, an angel and son of God (Document 2). In this publication, Mirandola declares his belief that God equips each human with the ability to take different routes in life, and make their own choices. Resultantly, this supports the view that God takes an active role in the nature of man. Giorgio Vasari also partook in this view of mans nature, as written in Lives of the Painters: The richest gifts are occasionally seen to be showered,, as by celestial influence, upon certain human beings; nay they sometimes supernaturally and marvelously gather in a single person-beauty, grace, and talent united in such a manner that to whatever the man thus favored may turn himself, his every action is so divine (Document 3). In this document, Vasari supports the views of Pico Mirandola, writing that God indeed is the giver of talents to certain individuals. Ultimately, this section of Renaissance thinkers and philosophers supported the view that God was an almighty influence that provided the ability of humans to succeed and realize their full potential. Lastly, other unique views arose during this time period that speculated upon and addressed the general nature of man and the actions that one takes that resultantly impact the course of their life and lifestyle. In his groundbreaking novel regarding the balance of power and the means by which one obtains power, Machiavelli generally muses about the nature of man in itself, and how power can play a role in a mans life, considering whether it is better to be loved than feared or feared than loved (Document 1). By considering these more applicable forces in modern society as opposed to the origins of talent and potential in humans, Machiavelli forcibly carves out his own group of individualistic, Renaissance-style thinking. This style of thinking is also observed in

Linton 4 Francesco Petrarchs writings, as he observes and considers his personal view into real world ideals and situations. I have always possessed extreme contempt for wealth I have on the contrary led a happier existence with plain living and ordinary fare the pleasure of dining with ones friends is so great that nothing has ever given me more delight than their unexpected arrival (Document 5). In this writing from Letter to Posterity, Petrarch talks about his view of life in a similar context of Machiavelli, not so much concerned with philosophical and idyllic interpretations of life, but the procedure of living and conduct in itself. In conclusion, the approach of Renaissance thinking is one that can be seen not as uniform at all, yet more of an integrated and multi-faceted level of thinking that can vaguely be assigned to different categories of thinking with common characteristics. Whether it ranges from a philosophical and divine approach to thinking, or a secular and realistic approach, a spectrum of Renaissance ideals presents itself. Primarily, a group of thinking appears that addresses the talents and potential of man, separate from influence of divine power. Second, writers such as Mirandola express views that God plays an interspersed role in the potentiality of humankind. Lastly, a separate group of pragmatic thinking surfaces in the form of power and life ideals from Machiavelli and Petrarch.