What was a major effect of the increased literacy brought about by the printing press?

The increased literacy brought about by the printing press significantly contributed to the proliferation of secular ideas and literature. With the ability to produce books and pamphlets more efficiently and at a lower cost, a wider audience gained access to a variety of texts that encompassed not only religious material but also secular works that challenged traditional ideas, promoted humanism, and explored new topics. This accessibility fostered critical thinking and debate among the general populace, allowing new ideas to flourish, including those related to governance, philosophy, and science.

The rise of secular literature also coincided with the Renaissance, which emphasized human experience and inquiry outside of strictly religious themes. As literacy rates rose, so did the demand for a range of topics in print, marking a shift away from the exclusive focus on ecclesiastical texts. The explosion of printed materials contributed to the cultural shifts of the time, allowing for more diverse perspectives and ideas to circulate among society.