How did Petrarch describe the role of a poet in society?

Petrarch viewed the role of a poet as that of a philosophical teacher and a champion of culture. By establishing secular poetry as a serious and noble pursuit, he elevated the status of the writer within society.1

His influence was rooted in his belief that language serves as an informing principle for both the individual and society. Through his work and his personal presence as a scholar, he promoted the study of Classical authors, arguing that such learning was compatible with Christian spirituality. By emphasizing self-knowledge and moral autonomy, Petrarch positioned the poet as a vital figure capable of guiding intellectual and cultural life, a concept that would go on to inspire generations of humanists.12