The influence of the printing press on society was revolutionary, significantly changing the dissemination of information. Invented by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century, the printing press enabled mass production of books, which made literature and knowledge more accessible. This democratization of information facilitated the spread of Renaissance and Reformation ideas, challenging traditional authority and encouraging individual thought. It fostered greater literacy rates and literacy among the general populace, contributing to the rise of scientific inquiry, political movements, and cultural shifts that shaped modern society.