Humanities & Classics 1002
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Renaissance Forum
Humanities & Classics 1002 |
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In Reply to: PLEASE POST YOU FIRST REQUIRED POSTING AS A REPLY TO THIS posted by TOM BACIG on December 13, 1998 at 19:30:06:
In the work "Imitation of Christ" by Thomas a Kempis, he describes his views of how people should act. He emphasizes two characteristics as mandatory practice in order for the soul to access heaven. These qualities are meekness and humility. He believes that earthly things are finite and that attatchment to them will hinder the achievement of a place in heaven. Thomas a Kempis believes that in heavenly things people should make their "habitation;" meaning religion should be practiced in all aspects of life. In the acetic opinion of Thomas a Kempis, he feels the denial of earthly things and the suppression of human feelings is the right path to salvation.
In the piece "Oration on the Dignity of Man" by Pico della Mirandola, his opinion of the role of humans greatly contrasts that of Thomas a Kempis. Mirandola views humans as "the intermediary between creatures." He lists characteristics of humans that he thinks are praiseworthy. With each characteristic he lists, and adjective accompanies it describing its greatness. Mirandola also conveys the idea that God has given man free will and license to do whatever and be whatever: "fashion thyself in whatever shape thou shalt prefer." This is an important idea of the Renaissance. The idea of man as having free will and using it to rival the angels is so enthusiastic it boarders on arrogance. Mirandola does not seem to know the word "meek" or just has no use for it.
The ideas of a Kempis and Mirandola can be seen in the film "Name of the Rose." The lifestyle that a Kempis outlines is similar to that of the monastic life. The monks are supposed to live humbly: praying, working, helping others, wearing drab garments, and devoting the entirety of their lives to God. They think their austere lives will earn them a place in heaven. The ideas of Mirandola are seen in the character of William of Baskerville. William has opened himself to all that the material world offers and uses it to try and become a better person. He uses science and reason while maintaining his faith in God. William values the characteristics of man that Mirandola lists. This is why he values all the hidden books and tries to save them from the fire. The genius of man is contained in the writings of those books. A Kempis believes the path to salvation is one of meek, acetic behavior, while Mirandola believes in the utilization and enhancement of man's falculties and the world around him. Though the work of these two authors show contrasting views, these views can be related to each other through the film.