34). The Renaissance man is also literally well-rounded: he should be agile and strong, with "shapely" limbs (Castiglione, p. 30, line 26). Renaissance women must also fulfill specific requirements. Though they should develop their bodies as well as their minds, Renaissance women should not undertake strenuous activities, as even dancing too energetically can impede her "womanly sweetness," (Castiglione, p. 35, line 192). Neither men nor women should take sport -- or anything else -- too seriously because being well-rounded is more important than being a specialist. At the same time, both Castiglione and Alberti infer an appreciation for the diligent development of specific talents and skills, whether tennis, dancing, or archery. Therefore, the ideal person is not a dilettante. When the Renaissance man or woman becomes proficient at something, he or she can show that skill off in polite company, though without conceit. Being what modern people would call "cool" is a key component of the Renaissance ideal. Castiglione calls that feature "nonchalance," and the Renaissance man and woman should be talented and modest at the same time.
Moreover, both men and women should cultivate social graces to please the opposite sex. For men, playing music seems to "please the ladies," so Castiglione advises that all men learn how to master an instrument (Castiglione p. 35, line 159). Mastery of the instrument does not necessarily mean that the Renaissance man becomes a working musician for well-roundedness is the key. For women, learning a musical instrument can also win favors from the opposite sex but Castiglione warns women to stay away from "drums, fifes, or trumpets," which are deemed to "harsh" for a woman's dainty graces (p. 36, lines 242; 243). Women should also learn to play with nonchalance and even a "touch of shyness," (Castiglione, p. 36, line 248). Men, too, should be "genial and discreet," and neither gender should be boastful in their public...
34, line 91). Modesty is not set forth as a moral imperative, but rather, an attractive social feature.
The goal of both men and women is to earn admiration and praise. Alberti avows that to "gain praise and fame" is one of the prime goals of the Renaissance man, to "give himself body and soul to the quest for praise and virtue," (p. 30, lines 33; 50). Beyond gaining fame and popularity, though, the Renaissance man also seeks to be happy in the service of others and thereby cultivate a secular humanist society. Renaissance writers like Alberti and Castiglione are not overtly concerned with altruism or social service, however. Entertainment seems more important than selfless service. For both Castiglione and Alberti, cultivating skills in athletics, art, and writing are important because they entertain others and lead to personal praise and popularity. To be "loved and revered" is a recurring theme throughout the Renaissance writings on manners and grace (Castiglione, p. 36, lines 227-228).
The Renaissance man and woman are well-rounded. They study the liberal arts through avid reading of Classical Greek and Roman primary source texts. Renaissance men and women also learn how to write their own letters and poetry and thus literacy was highly valued in Renaissance society for both genders. Physical fitness was also an important component of the ideal person, as was the development of both musical and visual arts skills. The features of the Renaissance man and woman suggest at once a superficial concern with appearances and at the same time an appreciation for the innate talents and abilities of every human being.
References
Alberti, Leon Battista. On the Family. 1513-1518. Excerpt in Fiero, Gloria K. "Chapter 16: Classical Humanism in the Age of the Renaissance." The Humanistic Tradition, Book 3. 5th edition, 2006.
Castiglione, Baldassare. Book of…
