Ap Euro Dbq Individualism

During the Renaissance, Europeans rediscovered the ideas of the Greeks and Romans, including the individualist, humanist,and rationalist beliefs. Prior to the 1300’s, it was human nature to have a life revolved around the Church. When the Rebirth started in Italy, people started valuing education, art and writing, a secular life rather than one ruled by religion. However, not all non religious people had the same philosophies on life. Many Renaissance Thinkers believed in individualism, humanism, and rationalism.

Individualism is being independent and only relying on yourself. Many of these thinkers valued hard work and education. Nicholas Copernicus stated, “I am not so much in love with my conclusions as not to weigh what others will think

Pietro Aetino had the philosophy that humans should be just as recognized as God. When referring to Michelangelo in 1537, he declared, “Just as it is disgraceful and sinful to be unmindful of God so it is reprehensible and dishourable for any man of discerning judgement not to honour you as a brilliant and venerable artist…” (Doc 4.) Not only was praising Michelangelo for his talents, he was spreading the message not to be envious of people. Humanist believed that people had goodness and that it should be celebrated and developed. Many humanist thinkers thought highly of other people, such as Giorgio Vasari. Vasari observed, “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 as to leave all other men far behind.” (Doc 3.) Vasari was referring to Leonardo de Vinci, noting his talent and intelligence. Humans have value influence, as science and rationality

Copernicus’ previous statement is continued with, “...although I know that the meditations of a philosopher are far removed from the judgement of the laity, because his endeavor is to seek out the truth in all things, so far as this is permitted by God to the human reason I still believe that one must avoid theories altogether foreign to orthodoxy.” (Doc 6.) Copernicus did not need validation from the Church for his ideas. He knew his scientific ideas could be proved without religion endorsing them. Another rationalist thinker, Francesco Petrarch, felt as if he should form opinions after looking at things rationally and from different perspectives. Petrarch asserted, “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.” (Doc