On+Pleasure+by+Lorenzo+Valla+1406

Secularization of learning and culture

“On Pleasure” by Lorenzo Valla 1406

In 1406 Lorenzo Valla a humanist scholar supports the humanistic development of secularism in his work “On pleasure”, by arguing that the senses are the highest good humans can have. This fits perfectly in the theme of Secularization of learning and culture because secularism and humanism of Valla’s time was still developing and in its infancy, thus challenging established studies based on religion and reason.

This theme is linked with a picture of the “Vitruvian” man; it symbolizes humanism with its focus on man himself and secularism with its focus on the worldly, hence Valla arguing in “On Pleasure”, that the senses are the most valuable humans can have. Lorenzo Valla's book was an attempt to move away from religion, as it stated the human senses, not God, should be man's main goal. MLA: "Valla, Lorenzo." __Free Website Hosting - Tripod free website templates to make your own free website__. 14 Apr. 2009 . McKay, John P. __History of Western society__. 7th ed. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2003.