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

Renaissance Humanism was characterized by a shift toward secularism and a slackening of religious control over human life [2]. It rejected the rigid feudal classification of society, instead promoting the belief that human nature was many-sided and that individuals could shape their own lives [4]. A significant aspect of this culture was a concern with civility and good manners, focusing on polite speech, correct dress, and social skills [1]. Contrary to the statement in option 4, Renaissance humanists did not criticize material wealth; rather, they often celebrated it. Figures like Francesco Barbaro defended the acquisition of wealth as a virtue, and Lorenzo Valla criticized Christian injunctions against pleasure [4]. The wealthy in Italian towns became increasingly focused on the wonders of life and worldly success rather than solely on the afterlife . Therefore, the claim that it criticized material wealth, power, and glory is false.

Sources

1. [2] Themes in world history, History Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Changing Cultural Traditions > A New Concept of Human Beings > p. 115
2. [4] Themes in world history, History Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Nomadic Empires > CHANGING TRADITIONS > p. 80
3. [1] Themes in world history, History Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Changing Cultural Traditions > A New Concept of Human Beings > p. 114