Agricola, Rudolf
1444–1485
Humanist and author

Rudolf Agricola was an early supporter of humanist* learning in northern Europe. He also made important contributions to the fields of education and rhetoric*. The son of a church official, Agricola was born near Groningen in the Netherlands. He studied the arts and law at three universities. He then moved to Italy and began to explore the new field of humanism. During his ten years in Italy, Agricola studied Latin, ancient literature, history, and philosophy. He also became a skilled public speaker.

Agricola returned to Germany in 1479. That summer, he completed his most important work, Three Books on Dialectical Invention. Although the word dialectic in the title refers to a method of reasoning, the work is really a treatise* on rhetoric. Its three parts cover such subjects as how to structure an argument, how to influence an audience, and the importance of constant training in writing. Agricola used many examples from ancient authors to illustrate his principles. This work had enormous influence on both teaching practices and research.

Agricola wrote many other works during his lifetime. These included speeches, Latin translations of ancient Greek texts, and a biography of the poet Petrarch. Most of his works were not published until the 1500s. However, they had a major impact on humanism in Northern Europe. Agricola's writings were used as textbooks and encouraged the study of ancient learning. Agricola spent the last few years of his life giving lectures in the city of Heidelberg.

(See alsoEducation. )

* humanist

referring to a Renaissance cultural movement promoting the study of the humanities (the languages, literature, and history of ancient Greece and Rome) as a guide to living

* rhetoric

art of speaking or writing effectively

* treatise

long, detailed essay