Humanism is based on human well-being.
The concept of humanism has several uses. This is, for example, the doctrine that is based on the integration of human values . In turn, it may refer to a Renaissance movement , through which it was proposed to return to Greco-Latin culture to restore human values .
Humanism, in general, is a behavior or attitude that exalts the human race. Under this conception, art , culture , sport and general human activities become transcendent. This transcendence could be achieved through the development and experimentation of one's own faculties.
anthropocentrism
It is an anthropocentric doctrine , where man is the measure of all things. Social organization, therefore, must develop from human well-being. This current opposes medieval theocentrism, where God was the center of life.
Humanism recognizes values, such as prestige, power and glory, that were criticized by Christian morality and even considered sins . Another difference with religious doctrines is that humanism makes man an object of faith, while, in ancient times, faith was the heritage of God.
It is worth mentioning, however, that this current opposes consumerism; since it is against the superficial, narcissism and that which is not typical of human dignity. The reification of man as a producer or consumer threatens his integral development.
Humanism as an intellectual movement
As an intellectual movement that emerged in Europe during the 15th century , humanism promoted the enthronement of the human being not only as an indispensable element around which social life revolved, but also as the center of the universe.
In education there were important changes that would be reflected in the intellectual level of people. Instead of continuing with rigid teaching , importance was given to the individuality of each student and learning focused on training people who were prepared to develop an active life in the civil community , who trusted themselves and who were capable to discern on their own between right and wrong.
Dante Alighieri is an exponent of humanism.
Importance in literature
When it comes to literature , there are thousands of authors; In fact, most of the current literature could be channeled into this ideology. However, to mention the roots of the humanist movement we must go to the Renaissance.
Thanks to the emergence of the printing press, in the 16th century there was a great dissemination of ideas through literature. Among the fundamental authors who began to travel the world were Dante Alighieri, Francisco Petrarca and Giovanni Bocaccio , who long before had expressed the ideas that during this period would take the name of humanism.
Furthermore, the emergence of the Byzantine novel undoubtedly collaborated with the dissemination of this type of thoughts. It is worth highlighting the publication of "Lazarillo de Tormes", the "Guzmán de Alfarache", and the "Don Quixote". We can also cite authors from Anglo-Saxon literature , such as William Shakespeare, Ben Jonson and Thomas More.
Humanism and the Spanish Empire
To understand the great importance of this movement and the easy spread it had, we must cite the political and historical aspects that surrounded it . At this time, Spain was a great empire that not only ruled a large part of European territory but also had strong colonies in America.
The writers born in the great empire relied on the currents and philosophical trends of great importance , with the important influence of Erasmus of Rotterdam and Antonio de Guevara. As far as history is concerned, the most relevant names of this period were Diego Hurtado de Mendoza and the Jesuit Juan de Mariana.