Final answer:
Humanism emphasized the importance of human beings and promoted the study of classical antiquity to achieve personal and societal betterment. It encouraged individualism and influenced the arts during the Renaissance period, making developing a talent for painting a good example of humanist values.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Humanism
Humanism was an intellectual and cultural movement that emerged in the 14th century in Italy. At its core, humanism focused on the value and agency of human beings, individually and collectively, and often emphasized the study and emulation of the art, culture, and philosophy of Ancient Greece and Rome. The movement sought to understand human nature and achieve human flourishing through education in the humanities, such as grammar, rhetoric, history, poetry, and moral philosophy.
Throughout history, Renaissance humanism became intertwined with the arts, influencing artists like Donatello and leading to the sponsorship of art by patrons like the Medici family. This period saw a resurgence in human-centered subjects and a move away from solely religious themes in the arts. In terms of personal development, humanism encouraged individuals to realize their potential and contribute meaningfully to society, which was a stark contrast to earlier medieval scholasticism which was more utilitarian and narrow in scope.
Given this understanding, the best example that describes humanism would be developing a talent for painting, as it signifies the cultivation of human talent and expression, values central to humanist philosophy.