The driving force behind the Italian Renaissance was a revival of classical humanism and a marked shift toward secularism and individualism. This cultural movement, which flourished from the 14th to the 17th centuries, emphasized the study of classical antiquity, particularly the texts and philosophies of Ancient Greece and Rome. Artists, writers, and scholars were inspired by the potential of human achievement, innovation, and creativity. Figures like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Petrarch exemplified this renewed focus on human experiences and perspectives. The Renaissance combined artistic accomplishments with advances in science, literature, and philosophy, profoundly influencing European culture and laying foundational ideas for modern thought.