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Which personal qualities were included in the humanist ideal of humanitas?
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Humanism
Marcus Tullius Cicero, detail of a marble bust; in the Capitoline Museums, Rome.
The humanist ideal of humanitas represented the development of human virtue to its fullest extent. It encompassed a broad range of personal qualities, which can be categorized as follows:
- Humanitarian Qualities: These align with the modern understanding of humanity and include understanding, benevolence, compassion, and mercy.1
- Assertive Characteristics: The ideal also demanded more active, strength-based traits, specifically fortitude, judgment, prudence, eloquence, and a love of honour.1
Possessing humanitas required an individual to be an active participant in life rather than an isolated philosopher. Humanists believed that insight without action was barren, while action without insight was aimless; therefore, the ideal necessitated a fine balance between contemplation and active engagement. Ultimately, this cultivation of virtue was intended to project these qualities from the individual into the state, aiming for a comprehensive reform of culture.1