During the Renaissance, a significant development was the emergence of Humanism, which emphasized the study of classical texts and the potential of human achievement. This intellectual movement shifted the focus from purely religious themes to the exploration of human experience, literature, art, and science. It led to a flourishing of culture, as artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo produced iconic works, while thinkers like Erasmus and Machiavelli advanced new ideas in philosophy and politics. The Renaissance laid the groundwork for modern Western thought and is often credited with igniting the intellectual awakening of Europe.