* Increased accessibility: Before the Renaissance, scholarly texts were primarily written in Latin, a language understood only by the educated elite. Writing in national languages like Italian, French, English, and German made these ideas accessible to a wider audience, including merchants, artisans, and common people. This increased literacy and interest in intellectual pursuits among the general populace.
* National pride and identity: Writing in the vernacular languages promoted a sense of national pride and identity. It allowed authors to express their thoughts and ideas in a language that resonated with their readers, fostering a stronger connection to their culture and heritage. This was particularly important in a time when national identities were evolving and solidifying.
* Connection to contemporary life: Latin, being a dead language, was seen as increasingly irrelevant to the concerns and interests of contemporary life. Writing in vernacular languages allowed authors to engage with the everyday issues, problems, and experiences of their time, making their works more relevant and relatable.
* Promotion of humanism: Humanist ideas emphasized the importance of individual potential, human experience, and the pursuit of knowledge. By writing in national languages, humanists could reach a broader audience and inspire more people to explore these ideas.
* Challenge to traditional authority: Using vernacular languages also challenged the established authority of the Church and its reliance on Latin as the language of scholarship and religion. This further contributed to the growing popularity of humanist thought and its challenge to traditional hierarchies.
However, it's important to note that the popularity of humanists wasn't solely due to writing in national languages. Other factors, such as the invention of the printing press, the rediscovery of classical texts, and the rise of new intellectual movements, played significant roles.
In conclusion, writing in national languages made humanist ideas more accessible, relevant, and relatable, fostering a greater sense of national pride and challenging traditional authority. These factors contributed significantly to the growing popularity of humanism in the Renaissance and beyond.