What was the primary theme of Renaissance humanism?

The primary theme of Renaissance humanism centers around a focus on human potential and achievement. This intellectual movement emerged during the Renaissance as a response to the rigid scholasticism of the Middle Ages, emphasizing the value of individual experience, personal achievement, and the pursuit of knowledge. Humanism encouraged the study of classical texts from ancient Greece and Rome, promoting the belief that humans were capable of great accomplishments through their own abilities rather than relying solely on divine authority.

This emphasis on human potential led to advancements in various fields such as literature, philosophy, science, and the arts, as thinkers sought to explore and celebrate what it means to be human. Celebrated figures of the Renaissance, like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, exemplify this humanist approach by showcasing human experiences and emotions in their works, thus reinforcing the importance of individual expression and intellectual exploration.

In contrast, other answer choices reflect themes that do not align with the central tenets of Renaissance humanism. For instance, a focus on divine authority characterizes medieval thought rather than the Renaissance's forward-thinking perspective on human capabilities. Feudal loyalty pertains more to the socio-political structure of the Middle Ages and does not relate to the human-centered ideals of the Renaissance. Similarly, economic production, while an