There were instances of different social and cultural backgrounds depicted in literature, such as works by poets like Menander or Philemon, who included characters from multiple classes, origins, and occupations. However, the concept of deliberately emphasizing a wide range of voices to ensure equal representation or challenge societal power structures was not a conscious aspect of literary creation or criticism. Literary and philosophical endeavors tended to revolve around universal ideals and aesthetics rather than social diversity as we understand it today.