Which one of the following statements about Renaissance Humanist cultu

Which one of the following statements about Renaissance Humanist culture is NOT true ?

It slackened the control of religion over human life
It believed that human nature was many-sided
It was concerned with good manners
It criticized material wealth, power and glory
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2018
The statement that Renaissance Humanist culture criticized material wealth, power and glory is NOT true.
Renaissance Humanism, while emphasizing classical learning and human potential, generally did not criticize material wealth, power, and glory. In fact, many humanists flourished under the patronage of wealthy individuals, powerful rulers, and the Church, who commissioned art, architecture, and scholarly works. The pursuit of excellence and achievement, often leading to wealth and fame, was compatible with humanist ideals. Criticism of excessive materialism existed but was not a defining characteristic of the broader humanist movement, which celebrated human capabilities and achievements in various spheres, including the worldly.
Renaissance Humanism did slacken the control of religion over human life by shifting intellectual focus from purely theological matters to secular studies like history, literature, and philosophy (Option A). It embraced the idea that human nature was complex and multifaceted, exploring the full range of human emotions, virtues, and vices through their study of classical texts and observation of contemporary life (Option B). Humanism also placed value on cultivating well-rounded individuals, which included aspects of social grace and good manners, as reflected in works like Castiglione’s *The Book of the Courtier* (Option C).