The Humanists

So, Humanism. The Humanists had quite the interesting school of thought here. Humanism itself seemed to be more of an ideal, a lifestyle, a goal to strive for than anything else. It's interesting, because in reading about them and their striving for that attainment of knowledge and eloquence and whatnot, we see that a lot of the basic applications were in grammar. Structure and the written word and that precision of language (A line I blatantly stole from The Giver) that is so prevalent in Humanist writings.  We see that a lot of their technical applications were rooted in this grammar and mastery of the written and spoken word.
Now, where I feel that albeit noble intentions start to go astray is in their applications among the social elite. Indeed, Humanism itself was something that really could only be utilized to it's fullest extent among upper class citizens. The text itself states that there was a " need for correct expression...on people of high social station." Which is all well and good, as we frequently see the social elite in positions of power. As that was so frequently the case, it was important for them to be knowledgeable and eloquent, so as to be able to benefit their city. All these Humanists, as the text also states, "made a candid alliance with power." The only issue I have with this is that it was difficult for anyone of a lower social standing, say a merchant, to gain that same education or that same tie with positions of power as those who had the money to do so right off the bad. People learning a trade would be at a solid disadvantage right from the start, and wouldn't have the time to devote to mastering Latin or making ties as those who had the money and time to fund their own learning. The whole thing seems very classist. But that could just be me being a idealist.