Anything that is studying "classic works" to extend human knowledge is considered Humanist. ... By studying how humanists before them used reason instead of religion to explain things they learned from it. ... Petrarch wrote lyric poetry dealing with individuals; he wanted to share knowledge for the public good. ... This was pretty much a guide to becoming successful. He was studying the rulers of ancient times and by studying what happened to them he wrote an entire book on informing people the correct rules of being in power. ...

• Word Count: 656
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

In the middle ages, people had looked to the Chruch as the source of all knowledge to guide and direct them. ... The study of their writings and works of art was seen to be like a great adventure and a voyage of discovery. ... Poetry and music: In poetry and music, the fresh ideas of the renaissance also found expression. ...

• Word Count: 1426
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

One of Petrarch's legacies was his belief that the recovery and study of the works of antiquity could restore virtue, culture, and social order. ... Although he did not invent the sonnet, it can be found in 12th century Courtly Love poetry, the quality of his work and the use of the vernacular made it very popular and served as a reintroduction of the sonnet form to the literary world. ... His imitation of Virgil's Aeneid shows the degree to which he relied on Classical literature as a source and guide. ... Based on his studies of Cicero, Petrarch believed that there had to be mor...

• Word Count: 2254
• Approx Pages: 9
• Grade Level: High School