Humanism bridged the gap between the past and the present, providing a redemptive power of reading to many, since there was a previous lack of education in the past. It was a study that focused on the "self- and became the fuel that encouraged independent thought and reaction against the domineering standard.
Francesco Petrarch was one of the major forerunners for the development of humanism throughout the countries. His writings provide definition to humanism, revealing Medieval History as barbaric, in a primitive and brutal sense, but he declares that classical history, on the other hand, should be the basis for life. In his work, My Secret, he writes of a discussion between Franciscus, a pen name for the author, and Augustinus, named after the famed 14th century theologian. Augustinus persuades Franciscus that being in love is blinding and most likely harmful. Augustinus says:.
You are playing on words. For if you can love only what is evident to the eyes, you love the body. However, I won't deny that her spirit and her character have added fuel to your flames, just as her very name greatly increased your passion. You loved body and soul together, and both of them immoderately. And you have fallen into great disasters because of this love Do you remember your boyhood, your love of God, your meditations on death, your religious feeling, your love of virtue? . When did you loose these good habits? .
It's hard to trust someone who has fallen once. That flame of yours may be less intense, it hasn't been extinguished. And in ascribing so much merit to your beloved, in absolving her, you are condemning yourself. Love has made you wretched; that's what I began by saying. Earthly love leads to the forgetfulness of God; it has brought you to the miserable state you have described.
Franciscus is in love, which is arguably one of the greatest states of being. Augustinus claims that this is harmful to him.
