Philip Sidney

The Renaissance spirit was not just about becoming learned and successful in as many fields as possible, it was also about using one's knowledge and abilities to improve the world. Self-interest and self-indulgence were replaced by selfsacrifice in the pursuit of a better world. England's Sir Philip Sidney (1554–1586) embodied this spirit of idealism. As a politician, military leader, and poet, he actively involved himself in the betterment of England in every area. While a member of Parliament, he encouraged exploration of the Americas and hosted many foreign dignitaries. He was also a patron of many scholars and writers, resulting in more than forty works by European and English writers dedicated to him. However, Sidney desired a more adventurous life, which led him to volunteer to fight against the Spanish. At the age of thirtyone, he died of wounds received in...