On the active and contemplative life.
iii

On the active and contemplative life.

[we were] sent by that Sovereign God into this lowest region of the world as if on a distant and difficult expedition, so that by fighting manfully against many difficulties we might overcome two most savage enemies: pain and pleasure. Once these were routed, we might enjoy perpetual peace. For since everyone is moved by nature's guidance toward what is just and honorable, you would not easily find a shameful man, except for one whom either the fear of hardship or the hope of pleasure has driven astray. For both the desire for commanding and for possessing—two evils which drive mortals to every wicked deed—what else do they demand for themselves except to avoid all hardships and enjoy every pleasure?

Therefore, having been stationed in an army of this kind, since we are led forth daily into the battle-line—in which we must fight for life and blood, which is to say for the salvation of our souls Lorenzo uses the metaphor of life as a military campaign where the soul's "salvation" depends on active struggle against vice.—should not he who deserts his post there, and having betrayed his comrades, secretly withdraws from the battle to the camp, be considered a deserter? For I ask you: since we are gathered within the same city, since we repel hostile injuries with the same walls and the same arms, since by common counsel we ordain those laws by which we may live justly, be inflamed to all arduous tasks for the sake of protecting our dignity, and not exceed the prescribed bounds of modesty—must not each of us strive with his greatest strength so that this civil life original: "ciuilis uita"; refers to the life of a citizen participating in the state. may be free from all crime and embrace every virtue? And so that it may not be deterred from providing this by any pain or danger, nor weakened by any pleasure.

❧ But if, on the contrary, there should be someone who, wasting away in leisure, neglects these things, does he not seem to abandon the duty entrusted to him? Truly, so that it may now appear clearer than the sun what the difference is between your man of leisure and our man of business, let us imagine some city fully built, in which there are public and private buildings of every kind, both sacred and profane, in abundance and magnificence; ❧ and let there be a most wise man who undertakes to fill it with inhabitants of such a kind that they make the city abound in all things. In this city—just as in a living body it is right that no part exist which does not serve the whole—he himself, sitting at the gates, would admit no future citizen until he had most diligently examined each person wishing to enter, and thoroughly learned what use each would bring to the city through his wisdom or skill.

And so, some will answer that they are wise lawgivers original: "legum latores". Others, prudent counselors; others, passionate orators; others, just judges. There will likewise be those who pledge medicine, those who promise to interpret the ambiguities of civil law, and those who profess they will perform military service. Architects will be present. Sculptors, potters, and painters will be present. Smiths of iron and wood will be present. And ❧ since, besides these arts original: "artes"; specifically the Liberal Arts worthy of a free person—which, acquired by intellect and industry, are worthy of a free man—various crafts original: "opificia" are also required in that multitude, which are gathered together not only for living rightly, but also for living safely and comfortably, [they] will offer themselves of their own accord...