Final answer:
Humanism was the intellectual movement of the Renaissance that applied ancient wisdom to the Renaissance world, emphasizing human potential and cultural achievements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The intellectual movement that sought to apply the wisdom of the ancients to the Renaissance world was known as humanism. This movement placed a high value on the dignity and worth of individuals, and it was founded on the study of classical Greek and Roman literature, philosophy, and history. Humanists aimed to improve themselves and their societies by emulating the achievements and philosophical approaches of ancient civilizations.
The principles of humanism were promoted by scholars such as Francesco Petrarca, also known as Petrarch, deriving from the broader cultural movement of the Renaissance, which signified a 'rebirth' of the appreciation for classical antiquity.
Humanism deeply influenced various aspects of society, from art and architecture to politics and science. It was instrumental in the renewal of Latin and vernacular literature and the development of techniques that rendered a more natural reality in painting. Moreover, educational reforms during this period aimed to foster an eloquent citizenry capable of civic engagement, reviving the 'studia humanitatis' or the humanities. The availability of paper and the invention of moveable type printing significantly facilitated the wide dissemination of these new ideas.
This movement not only recovered ancient texts but also revitalized medieval philosophy. Humanism left an enduring legacy in Western culture, paving the way for the Scientific Revolution and promoting significant changes in societal thinking that were not uniformly experienced throughout Europe.