Final answer:
Wisdom literature historically emphasized divine commandment observance, which transitioned to an emphasis on personal moral responsibility and philosophical inquiry as the means to live a good life.
Step-by-step explanation:
Wisdom literature has historically played a significant role in shaping humanity's understanding of moral responsibilities. Early on, wisdom literature emphasized following divine commandments and living in accordance with the will of the gods or God as the path to lead a good life. Over time, especially after the classical Greek period, there was a shift towards humanistic thinking, where humans began to bear total responsibility for their choices and the consequences thereof. In the wisdom literature, human beings are depicted as responsible for how they exercise their freedom and, therefore, for the morality of their actions, implicating a sense of personal moral responsibility.
In the wisdom literature of various great civilizations, such as ancient China, and in the works of thinkers like Socrates and Han Yu, human beings were urged to live examined lives and to develop an understanding of right and wrong. This self-examination and reflection on ethical behavior would guide individuals toward personal growth and societal contribution. Additionally, such literature often explored how writing and philosophical reflection could improve the world, emphasizing the importance of philosophical inquiry and the pursuit of knowledge.