In what ways was the focus of humanism different from previous medieval?

Humanism marked a shift from the medieval focus on religious doctrine and the afterlife to an emphasis on human potential, individualism, and the study of classical texts from ancient Greece and Rome. While medieval thought was predominantly centered around theology and the importance of faith, humanism celebrated human reason, creativity, and secular subjects such as literature, philosophy, and history. This shift encouraged a more critical and empirical approach to knowledge, fostering advancements in art, science, and education that defined the Renaissance.