Oration on the Dignity of Man

Let us pay attention, fathers, and carefully consider what is hidden behind these precepts of Zoroaster: it is, of course, exactly this: that through ethics, as if by Iberian waves In classical literature, the "Iberian waves" refers to the Atlantic Ocean at the edge of the world; Pico uses it here as a metaphor for a deep, ritualistic cleansing of the soul's "eyes.", we wash the grime from our eyes; through dialectic The art of logical investigation and reasoning., as if by a level, we straighten our gaze; then, by contemplating nature, we grow accustomed to enduring the still-weak light of truth, much like the light of the rising sun, so that finally, with the help of theology and the worship of God, we may—like celestial eagles—endure the brilliant radiance of the sun itself.

It seems that these morning, noon, and evening forms of knowledge were first sung of by David and later interpreted by Augustine Pico refers to St. Augustine’s theory of "Morning and Evening Knowledge" (cognitio matutina et vespertina), where angels see things first in God and then in the created world.. This is that bright light which directly stirs the Seraphim and likewise illuminates the Cherubim. This is the place toward which the ancient father Abraham always aspired. According to the teachings of the Kabbalists Followers of Jewish mysticism (Kabbalah), whose ideas Pico integrated into his Christian philosophy., there are no unclean spirits there. And if it is permissible to make public any of the secret mysteries even by a hint—for after the sudden fall from heaven condemned man to error and, according to Jeremiah, "windows" were opened and death struck the liver and the heart—then we shall call upon the celestial physician Raphael The name Raphael means "God Heals." In Pico's system, Raphael uses morality and logic to heal the soul's sickness., who will heal us with morality and dialectic as if with medicinal remedies. Then Gabriel The name Gabriel means "God is my Strength." Here, he represents the stage where the soul is strong enough to study the wonders of the natural world., the strength of God, will take us in, restored to health, and lead us through the wonders of nature, everywhere pointing out the goodness and power of God. Finally, he will hand us over to the high priest Michael The name Michael means "Who is like God?" He represents the final stage: the crown of theology and direct union with the divine., who will reward us, having distinguished ourselves in the study of philosophy, with the priestly rank of theology, like a crown of precious stones.

These are the reasons, most venerable fathers, that not only inspire but carry me away toward the study of philosophy. Of course, I would not speak of this if I did not wish to answer those who are in the habit of condemning the study of philosophy—especially by eminent men—and those who generally live an ordinary, unexamined life. For in reality, the study of philosophy is the misfortune of our time, as it finds itself in contempt and mockery rather than in honor and glory.

The destructive and monstrous conviction that philosophy is for the few, or should not be practiced at all, has seized all minds. No one will investigate the causes of things, the movements of nature, the structure of the universe, the designs of God, or the mysteries of heaven and earth, unless they can obtain some gratitude or secure some profit for themselves. Unfortunately, people have come to consider as "learned" only those who study the sciences for a fee. Modest Pallas Pallas Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom., sent to humanity with the gifts of the gods, is hissed at, criticized, and driven out; there is no one to love her or patronize her, unless she—by selling herself and extracting a meager reward from her defiled virginity—brings the money gained by shame into the cupboard of a lover. It is with great regret that I note: in our time, it is not rulers, but philosophers themselves who think and declare that one should not engage in philosophy, because no rewards or prizes have been established for philosophers—as if they did not prove by this very statement that they are not philosophers at all. And indeed, since their lives are spent in search of money or fame, they do not contemplate the truth even for their own sake. I am not ashamed to praise myself for the fact that...