The author studies the period that constitutes a special stage in the development of humanism, when new views on human nature were formed, his dignity and capabilities were comprehended in a new way. A new attitude towards life and death, associated with the increased value of human existence, is investigated, it is shown how the attitude towards the world has changed, which ceases to be a "valley of tears," becoming a field of transformative, creative activity of people. The work is based on the writings and letters of leading humanists of the era and handwritten materials from Italian archives.