Customer Reviews

Oration on the Dignity of Man

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book represents the preface to the nine-hundred theses on the meaning of man in the world from the perspective of a 15th century prince, mystic, philosopher, alchemist. In this salubrious text we see Pico della Mirandola attempting to fuse the varied religious and philosophical traditions of Zoroaster, ancient Judaism, Plato, and Aristotle into a laudation of the creation of man by the Divine. This text is the founding statement of the "humanist" doctorine which argues that God gave Man "free will" which (if used virtuously) allows man to strive for dignity in the eyes of a beneficent God. This translation aptly conveys the passion and erudition of this great philosopher.

Pico, described by Machiavelli as a man of 'almost supernatural genius', made this breathtaking speech at the tender age of 24. It can be divided into four parts: in the first, he celebrates the dignity of man and human ability to make choices which lead to enlightenment and salvation. Secondly, he introduces the means by which one reaches enlightenment: a combination of moral philosophy, dialectic, natural philosophy, and theology, which ultimately leads man to God. He then goes on to defend his own grand project, a set of 900 theses formulated as a synthesis of Greek, Latin (Christian), Arab, Hebrew and Zoroastrian philosophy (among other things, Pico was trying to reconcile the philosophies of Plato and Aristotle). As a true Renaissance figure, he emphasizes the importance of classical dispute and rational argument. It is therefore somewhat surprising that he towards the end offers an exceedingly long rant on mysticism and the secret books of the Cabalists. The young Pico at this point gives the impression of being a little too much of a Renaissance man, trying to pursue all arts and chasing down all avenues of learning at the same time. Yet it is still a great work, one that has stood the test of time and could well inspire and guide young people who seek learning today.

In the great humanist Pico Della Mirandola's work, "Oration on the Dignity of Man," Plato and Cicero converge. Pico mixes Platonic theology with Ciceronian eloquence and presents a piece of work that challenges the medieval view of human nature, while championing and embodying the "spirit of the Renaissance." With rhetorical genius, execution of style, and philosophical sublimity, this renaissance scholar, at the age of twenty-four, prepared this work as a preface to the startling number of nine-hundred theses, covering metaphysics, logic, ethics, theology, mathematics, magic, and physics. The young Pico delivered this oration in the presence of well-educated men twice his age in order to convince them into a philosophical tournament, in which he would defend the principles of his nine hundred theses. Sadly enough, his expectations were sapped since no one wished to accept his challenge; some of his theses brought forth papal condemnation; and a brief period of imprisonment followed. His death at a young age certainly did not mean that his fame died with him. Men like Erasmus and Politian admired him; and his influence on the modern world has been profound to say the least. In a word, "De Hominis Dignitate," is an epitome of the Renaissance wrapped up in a short and easy-to-read handbook. This is the first single volume edition available of Pico's masterwork, and it is a must have for all philosophy lovers.

This short work, which has at times been termed the written "humanist manifesto," should be required reading. Pico lays out his argument as to why all humanity has an inherent dignity. While his perspective is 15th century, the influence in the Western world was profound. At no other time, or place, or in the context of any other culture or religion, was such a statement ever made. All other claims of human dignity as we understand it today, have evolved from this. Pico referred to all of the world's known systems of beliefs and philosophies, as he wrote this Oration (which was actually his introduction to his proposed disputation of his 900 Theses).

I highly recommend reading at least the first half and then turning to Richard Tarnas', The Passion of the Western Mind, in order to have a basic understanding of Pico's place in Western cultural history. The influence upon the United Nations original Declaration on Human Rights and several documents issued by the Vatican in 1965, and beyond, see Nostra Aetate, Humanitae Dignitatis, is evident. The other monotheistic traditions and nations of the world should follow with similar statements.

this was required reading for my masters in ancient history course of study for the renaissance. i was disappointed to say the least. i thought this book was interesting as a window into the mind of the renaissance, but that was about it. i didn't see any profiund thoughts or ideas that really made any sense. this is one of those books that lives on its reputation and should be put into place as a piece that is not timeless, but just for its insight into a period of history. maybe there was more to the whole work in its entirety that is a shallow reflection of this book. that may be where this books gets its life, but i don't know. if you want humanist philosophy go somewhere else.