Webster's New World College Dictionary defines humanism as, " the intellectual and cultural secular movement that stemmed from the study of classic literature during the Middle Ages and was one of the factors giving rise to the renaissance" (Agnes 695), but this definition is not quite enough to explain what humanism really is. Humanism is a term that is usually applied to the major social philosophy of appreciating the secular things of life, the indulging in worldly pleasures, and the intensified assertion of personal independence and individual expression, as well as the need to improve upon the lives of others (Kreis 1). The ideas and implications of Humanism are widespread, and still hold true today.
Part of this humanist idea was one of reaching back in time to the Golden Era of the classics, but in all actuality, it was more of a time between times, so to speak. Medieval supernatural ideas were on the decline, so the ideas of the humanists took their place, but at the same time there was no real idea there to embrace. In the medieval society there was one right and one wrong, while at the same time there was not yet a system of concepts and rules for his life. The humanist movement took a while to get off of the ground, due to the pressures of the church and those who were faithful to it. The reason that so many were opposed to it was fear of change and fear of losing power. The church had been in control of so much of the world, and so naturally they were terrified when a new force took over, encouraging people to read and praise the works of pagans. The humanists believed that the classics contained all the lessons one needed to lead a moral and good life as well as taught how to use the Latin language to is greatest potential (van Hoesel 1). As soon as the humanist ideas were firmly rooted, the ideas of the humanists took off.
Appreciation for the secular is a major part of the humanist philosophy.