Final answer:
Humanists during the Renaissance were interested in and inspired by the philosophy, history, and literature of ancient Greece and Rome. They believed that through the study of these classical works, people could improve themselves and live a 'good life'. Humanists sought to revive the cultural and literary legacy of classical antiquity and stressed the value and dignity of human beings.
Step-by-step explanation:
Humanists during the Renaissance were interested in and inspired by the philosophy, history, and literature of ancient Greece and Rome. They believed that through the study of these classical works, people could improve themselves and live a 'good life'. Humanists sought to revive the cultural and literary legacy of classical antiquity and stressed the value and dignity of human beings.
For example, Italian humanists like Petrarch believed that studying the wisdom and achievements of ancient Greece and Rome could provide contemporary people with valuable insights and serve as a model for life. They considered the ancient world as the pinnacle of human achievement and thought its accomplishments should influence the present European society.
Furthermore, humanism also had an impact on Europeans' view of human beings by promoting the idea that humans are rational and sentient beings with the ability to think for themselves and make their own choices. This belief challenged the Christian view of humans as inherently sinful and needing redemption.