Characteristics of the Renaissance • Humanism: The new driving force in Renaissance
society was humanism. It represented a more
secular approach to life. Men looked to the
scholarly works of the past for understanding of
the world around them. They also began to
positively evaluate the abilities and intellect of
man.
• The Classics: Scholars of the Renaissance
rediscovered classical literature and philosophy of
the Greek and Roman period, and they drew
inspiration from them. Likewise, artists and
architects strove to imitate the style and design of
Ancient Greek & Roman buildings and sculpture.
• The Questioning Spirit: Humanism gave rise to a
questioning spirit, and it was this spirit that
characterized the Renaissance. All was questioned
- nothing was taken for granted or taken as fact.
Even old beliefs and ideas were tested as
humanists sought to prove their truth. There was
nothing that escaped scrutiny -- mathematics,
sciences, literature, even the Church or Church
practices were questioned.

Questions:

During the renaissance, where did people look to understand the world around them?

What things did people begin to question during the renaissance?

Key terms:

Humanism-

Classics-