The movable-type Gutenberg printing press created access to information to people who had otherwise been shut out of the conversation. Books became cheaper and more common. More people learned to read, and printing shops started publishing in everyday local languages (vernacular) instead of just Latin.

Humanist scholars sought out and translated ancient Greek and Roman texts. The printing press mass-produced these classical works, making philosophy, rhetoric, and poetry available beyond small elite circles. Also, having identical copies let scholars across Europe debate exact passages.

Humanism prioritized human reasoning and civic responsibility over spiritual concerns. The focus was on man instead of God, thinking we had it in ourselves to solve our problems through our intellect. This philosophy was growing along with access to the Bible, which led to questioning the Catholic Church’s control over what was taught about the Bible.

Printed pamphlets and books allowed new scientific as well as religious critiques to spread rapidly across borders. That included Martin Luther’s famous stand against practices in the Catholic Church.