Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press in the mid-15th century, revolutionizing the spread of knowledge and information. This device allowed for mass production of books and written materials, significantly reducing the cost of printing and making literature accessible to a wider audience. The printing press played a crucial role in the dissemination of ideas during the Renaissance and the Reformation, enabling the rapid spread of new religious, scientific, and philosophical concepts. It democratized knowledge, diminishing the monopoly held by the clergy and scholars over written material. Gutenberg's invention is often credited with laying the groundwork for the modern knowledge economy and catalyzing societal change.