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The Subordination of Humanism: Young More's 'Profitable' Work, The Life of John Picus1
Journal article   Peer reviewed

The Subordination of Humanism: Young More's 'Profitable' Work, The Life of John Picus1

Moreana (Angers), Vol.47 (Number 179-180)(1-2), pp.23-44
06/2010

Abstract

This article revisits the often argued question of the relationship between More's English Life of Picus and his Latin original. However, instead of emphasizing More's transformation of his humanist model into what is essentially a work of medieval piety, the article arrives at the conclusion that humanism and faith in More's text mutually reinforce each other. By looking in detail at some of More's changes to Gianfrancesco's Latin biography, especially his striking omissions of intrusive authorial comments, the paper will argue that More turns his model into a much more open and contradictory text, thus provoking his readers to reflect upon their own state of soul in comparison with Pico's. In addition, More's transformation of his appended material from Pico's writings also makes it clear that his humanism remains essentially subordinate to his faith.

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