During the Renaissance, humanism marked a shift in focus from the predominantly religious views of the Middle Ages. Humanism emphasized the value, capabilities, and potential of human beings, celebrating human achievements in literature, art, science, and philosophy. This was a departure from the medieval emphasis on religious dogma and a more otherworldly perspective.
In contrast to the Middle Ages' preoccupation with the afterlife and the divine, Renaissance humanism emphasized the importance of human life on Earth. Scholars and artists sought inspiration from classical Greek and Roman works, exploring human experiences, reason, and individual potential. Humanism promoted education, critical thinking, and the study of classical texts, fostering a more secular and worldly outlook.
While religion continued to play a significant role during the Renaissance, humanism's focus on human-centered values and secular knowledge marked a notable departure from the more exclusively religious worldview of the Middle Ages.