Here's how it manifested during this period:
* Focus on Individualism: The Renaissance saw a shift away from the medieval emphasis on religious dogma and towards a celebration of human individuality. This meant valuing individual talent, creativity, and ambition.
* Emphasis on Reason and Logic: The Renaissance witnessed a renewed interest in classical Greek and Roman thought, which placed a strong emphasis on rational thought, observation, and empirical evidence. This spurred scientific advancements and a questioning of traditional beliefs.
* Interest in the Classics: Renaissance thinkers drew inspiration from the art, literature, and philosophy of ancient Greece and Rome. This led to a renewed interest in human anatomy, perspective in art, and the development of humanist education.
* Rise of the Middle Class: The rise of trade and commerce during the Renaissance led to the emergence of a wealthy merchant class. These individuals had the resources to patronize the arts and support the new humanist ideals.
* Secularism: While still religious, the Renaissance saw a growing interest in secular topics, such as history, science, and philosophy, and a shift away from the sole focus on the spiritual realm.
It's important to note that humanism wasn't without its flaws. It was often exclusionary, focused primarily on the upper classes, and lacked a focus on social equality.
However, humanism's emphasis on individual potential, reason, and the pursuit of knowledge laid the foundation for the scientific revolution and the Enlightenment, and continues to influence our understanding of human nature and society today.