Renaissance humanism refers to the ethics of cultural, social, and educational reforms undertaken by scholars, artists, and political leaders in Europe during the 14th and 15th centuries. Renaissance humanism developed in response to the progressively outdated and limited ideals of medieval scholasticism that had penetrated Europe in previous centuries. Instead of simply equipping professionals such as doctors, lawyers, and theologians with strict rules for practicing their profession, humanists sought to inspire educated people with a strong sense of virtue and prudence through the in-depth study of the human sciences and in particular the arts of rhetoric. , history, poetry and philosophy. Humanism originated in Florence and Naples, Italy, in the 14th century, but began to spread throughout Europe in the early 16th century due to the large-scale printing and publication of poetic texts , historical, rhetorical and philosophical, classical and modern. While William Shakespeare probably did not have the kind of in-depth humanist education afforded to those whose social and financial standing was higher than that of his own family, his education was clearly based on the principles of humanism of the Renaissance. The decidedly humanist ideals that Shakespeare often represents in his plays – particularly in Hamlet – are grounded in the principles of Renaissance humanism. Throughout his plays, Shakespeare frequently demonstrates and celebrates the ideas and ideals of Renaissance humanism, often – even in his tragic plays – presenting characters who embody the principles and ideals of Renaissance humanism , or people possessing immense self-knowledge and who are capable of self-expression and the practice of individual freedom. S...... middle of paper ......arrow - meaning there is a reason in our lives and there is a divine sense of intervention and meaning - but predetermination is- it the act of humanity and our reason - or is God part of it - or both? In his anguish, Hamlet discovers a unique subjectivity as he attempts to reject the wisdom of tradition and understand for himself the power of man. Throughout the play, Hamlet strives to define the power of humans. The view ranges from belief in the power of humans to pessimistic doubt about humanity's capabilities. All of Hamlet's soliloquies in Hamlet are placed in an important order to show the dramatic progression of Hamlet's character (from depression, to confusion, to madness, etc.). Hamlet's character progression also applies to his humanistic aspects, of being helpless and helpless. , to wish for the bloodiest revenge.