Studies of Greek Literature and Humanist Educational Program

In his letter to a friend, Leonardo Bruni (1374-1444) stresses that knowledge of poets and orators from antiquity as well as history are indispensable to a Christian Humanist education. He makes the argument that all knowledge comes from the Greeks. He explains that his passion for Greek literature came about when Chrysoloras the Byzantine came to Florence from Constantinople after it was conquered by the Turks. He was welcomed into Florence, where Bruni lived, to teach Greek language and literature. Although Bruni was studying Civil Law at the time, he found the prospect to study Greek language and classics as a once in a lifetime opportunity, so he became one of Chrysoloras' pupils. He goes on to say that all knowledge of Western thought derived from the Greeks, and that to have a proper education one must have a knowledge of Latin. One cannot read the classics and enjoy them without having the knowledge of the language. In terms of classical education, the study of poetry, orators, and history was essential. From poets come deep speculation on the nature of things and the way the world works, and the person who is familiar with poetry is a well-rounded man. Knowledge of orators prepares one for good writing as well as proper civil discourse. Not to mention the study of orators is good for morality, for from the orators of antiquity come great praise of virtue and condemnation of vices. He saw History as a subject that could enhance one's perspective on current affairs and gives lessons of warning in public policy and other issues. Therefore he saw history as the most important subject for a classical education. Moreover, he believed it was man's duty to understand their origins and development