Education during the Renaissance period had varying values, purposes, and topics depending on the culture it thrived on. The value of education was upheld throughout this period due to the raised standards of the "courtier." In general, most of the education in this time was based around humanists" ideas, views, and teachings, which had taken over many universities as the standard practice. .
Education in the Renaissance branched into two different extremes. The first being humanistic style. The value of education became more and more important as the standards of a "renaissance man" rose. This man had to be learned in the arts, music, philosophy, letters, as well as Greek and Latin writings. Most humanists would look at education as the most valuable aspect of one's standing in society. A person's value to society, in this period was largely based on his value of education. Humanists believed that proper learning equaled a proper being; a civilized society was built on the work of the most intelligent people. This view was not only held by humanists of the day but also by Plato (from the Republic). Because a proper renaissance man would have to study Greek and Latin writings, they also adapted numerous ancient philosophers" ideas. Since education during the renaissance encompassed a new grasp on virtues and morality, the even the clergy sought higher education in the humanities. However, not everybody saw the value in studying what has been to decide what will be.
The second extreme in renaissance education was more of a minority to the new value of education among society. Some people saw need for only the basic education like reading, writing, and arithmetic. They didn't see the reason why one would study ancient philosophies in Greek and Latin. These people didn't see any good in studying the languages that are dead in their modern societies. This dislike for extended education was trivial compared to the beliefs of those who despised the idea of an educated majority in society.
