The Latin Works of Giordano Bruno

...one is made one way, and another another way. In no different a manner should we believe that solar art to be one thing for some, and another for others.

PHILOTHIMUS. — Why is it, Hermes, that you are speaking to yourself? What is this little book you hold in your hands?

HERMES. — It is a book On the Shadows of Ideas contracted for internal writing original: "De vmbris Idearum ad internam scripturam contractis." This refers to Bruno's system of mnemonics (the art of memory), where "internal writing" means storing information within the mind using organized images., about which I am undecided: whether it ought to come forth, or whether it should remain forever in the same darkness in which it once lay hidden.

PHILOTHIMUS. — Why is that?

HERMES. — Because its author offers himself up (as they say) as a target at which armed archers of more than one kind are aiming. Bruno often used the metaphor of a target to describe how his controversial ideas—such as the infinite universe and the motion of the earth—made him a mark for critics and the Inquisition.

PHILOTHIMUS. — If that were something to be feared and avoided by everyone, no one would ever have attempted worthy works; nothing good or outstanding would ever have come into view. The providence of the gods original: "providentia deorum." does not cease (as the Egyptian Priests Egyptian Priests: Bruno was deeply influenced by "Hermeticism," a philosophical tradition he believed originated in ancient Egypt, which emphasized divine wisdom hidden in nature. said) to send certain Mercuries Mercuries: "Mercurios," referring to messengers of divine wisdom or intellectual reformers like Hermes Trismegistus. to men at ordained times, even if they foreknow that these messengers will be poorly or barely received. Nor does the intellect, or that sensible sun, ever cease to shine simply because we do not all perceive it, nor do we perceive it at all times.

LOGIFER. — I would easily agree with those who believe that such things should by no means be made public. I hear Philothimus is doubtful on this matter; if he had heard with his own ears the things we have heard, he would surely rather throw these things into the fire to be burned than see to their publication. For these things have thus far brought their teacher a harvest that is hardly pleasant; now, I do not know what he can hope for in the future, except...