Leon Battista Alberti's Analysis

The renaissance movement of Italy placed an emphasis on intellect and artistic values reminiscent of the past. The humanist ideals of this movement focused on education with emphasizing literary aptitude, human experience and potential, and producing upstanding citizens. These ideals are reflected in Leon Battista Alberti’s concept of the role a proper family and the importance he places on raising children of good character and morals. The main end goal of a humanist approach to education was the cultivation of citizens with exemplary moral values. (Cole, 367) Alberti’s view that a proper family raises children to be virtuous citizens mirrors this humanist goal. On the subject of children, ALberti says, “I do encourage you to continue and as you are doing in every sort of activity and hard discipline that you may attain excellence and deserve fame.” (Brophy, 34) He is insistent that children understand the evil of idleness, and be well rounded in their skill sets. (Brophy, 32/33/34) According to ALberti a man needs to secure his own happiness through knowledge and success in his chosen field, at which point his family's happiness will follow suit. (Brophy, 35) He places a heavy importance on a man's knowledge and making
This program of study focused on what has come to be known the study of “humanities”: literature, ethics, history and the like; and aimed to produce upstanding and virtuous citizens. (Cole 366) Humanist ideals valued ancient texts, intellect, glory, and wealth; and strongly devalued women. Looking at the emphasis ALbeit places on raising children's to be educated and useful citizens, the knowledge and work ethic of a man, and his attitudes towards the roles and intelligence of women, it is clear how these values shaped his opinions of the roles a proper family must play in the context of society and public