Final answer:
Humanist thinkers of the Renaissance were inspired by the philosophical teachings of the ancient Greeks, aiming to improve society and the self through 'studia humanitatis'. This movement also combined classical learning with Christian teachings to foster piety and possibly reform the church. Humanist Art reflected this blending of classical and Christian influences.
Step-by-step explanation:
Humanist thinkers of the Renaissance drew much of their inspiration from the study of the philosophical teachings of ancient Greeks. This movement, known as Renaissance Humanism, was an intellectual wave that surged through 14th and early 15th-century Italy. It marked a departure from the medieval scholastic education that was largely utilitarian, instead focusing on the 'studia humanitatis', which encompassed grammar, rhetoric, history, poetry, and moral philosophy. Humanists like Francesco Petrarca sought to revive the cultural and literary legacy as well as the moral philosophy of antiquity, taking ancient Greece and Rome as the pinnacle of human achievement. The goal was to improve the self and society by studying classical works and seeking personal and communal enlightenment.
In addition to humanists in Italy, the end of the fifteenth century saw Northern Renaissance humanists, or Christian humanists, who integrated the teachings of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds with early Christian theology. They stressed a combination of classical learning with Christian teachings to foster an inner sense of piety and a transformation to become better Christians, thereby reforming the church.
Humanist Art also flourished during this period, manifesting the ideology that studying the Ancients and Christianity were complementary endeavors. Artists such as Donatello were influenced by classical forms, themes, and Christian theology, leading to a reinvigoration of Greek statuary and the birth of Renaissance art that combined both religious and ancient humanist elements.