Increased access to literature during the Renaissance significantly affected people's lives by exposing them to new ideas, knowledge, and perspectives. This period saw the rise of humanism, which emphasized the value of individual experience and rational thought. The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century played a crucial role in democratizing access to literature, making texts more widely available and affordable.
The most accurate response to the prompts is the last option: "Increased access to literature exposed people to information. They were able to evaluate this information on their own, without religious guidance." This reflects the shift towards individual interpretation and critical thinking, as many people began to engage with texts beyond the constraints of religious authority.
Literature began to include works on science, philosophy, and political theory, encouraging people to think independently and question established norms. This newfound access contributed to the expansion of education, the questioning of traditional structures of power, and ultimately laid the groundwork for the Enlightenment and modern democratic thought.
In summary, increased access to literature during the Renaissance empowered individuals, fostering independent inquiry and the flourishing of diverse ideas, significantly altering the intellectual landscape of Europe.