Humanist literature emerged during the Renaissance, emphasizing the value of human experience and individualism. It focused on classical texts from ancient Greece and Rome, promoting ideas of reason, ethics, and the potential of human beings. Writers sought to explore human nature, emotions, and the complexities of life, often using a more personal and reflective style. Key figures in humanist literature include Petrarch, Erasmus, and Machiavelli. Their works encouraged critical thinking and questioned traditional authority, laying the groundwork for modern thought. This literary movement significantly influenced education, philosophy, and the arts, shaping the cultural landscape of Europe and beyond.