The cultural movement that emphasized human potential and achievements during the Renaissance was Humanism. Emerging in Italy during the 14th century, Humanism represented a departure from the medieval focus on religious subjects and instead celebrated classical antiquity, particularly Greek and Roman texts. Humanists believed in the inherent worth of the individual and promoted the study of subjects such as literature, philosophy, history, and art. Key figures like Petrarch and Erasmus emphasized the importance of education, critical thinking, and the humanities in fostering civic responsibility and moral virtue. This movement laid the intellectual groundwork for modern science, literature, and political thought, significantly influencing Western culture and thought.