On Human Worth and Excellence

Giannozzo Manetti's treatise "On the Misery of the Human Condition" challenges Innocent III's pessimism about human nature, presenting a comprehensive refutation and citing the achievements of the Renaissance as evidence for the potential divinity of human nature.

Format: Hardback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 29 March 2019
Publisher: Harvard University Press

Giannozzo Manetti (1396–1459) was a celebrated diplomat, historian, philosopher, and humanist scholar of the early Renaissance who mastered ancient Greek and Hebrew as well as classical Latin. In this treatise, dedicated to Alfonso of Aragon, King of Naples, Manetti addresses a question central to the anthropology of the Renaissance: what are the moral, intellectual, and spiritual capabilities of the unique amalgam of body and soul that constitutes human nature? The treatise takes issue with a popular work of medieval asceticism, On the Misery of the Human Condition, written by none other than Innocent III, one of the greatest of medieval popes. The pope's diatribe expresses a revulsion against human nature and argues for the futility of ambition, the emptiness of pleasures, and the ultimate worthlessness of human achievements. Manetti's treatise presents a comprehensive refutation of the pope's pessimism, sometimes citing the achievements of the Renaissance as evidence for the potential divinity of human nature and its extraordinary capabilities. This edition contains the first complete translation into English.

Manetti's treatise is a profound exploration of the human condition, offering a rich tapestry of insights and perspectives. He challenges the notion that human nature is inherently flawed or evil, instead presenting a nuanced and complex understanding of the human soul. Through his analysis, he reveals the potential for both good and evil within each individual, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and moral development. Manetti also delves into the nature of ambition and its role in shaping human behavior. He argues that ambition can be both positive and negative, depending on how it is pursued and what it seeks to achieve. He cautions against the pursuit of ambition for its own sake, warning that it can lead to greed, envy, and a disregard for others. Instead, he advocates for a more balanced approach, where ambition is aligned with moral values and used to pursue meaningful goals.

In addition to his exploration of human nature, Manetti also addresses the role of pleasure in human life. He recognizes that pleasure is an essential aspect of human experience, but he also warns against the pursuit of pleasure for its own sake. He argues that pleasure can be fleeting and superficial, leading to addiction and a disregard for deeper values. Instead, he advocates for a more balanced approach, where pleasure is enjoyed in moderation and used as a means to enhance personal growth and well-being.

Manetti's treatise is a valuable contribution to the anthropology of the Renaissance, offering a fresh perspective on the human condition and its potential for transformation. Through his analysis of human nature, ambition, pleasure, and the relationship between body and soul, he provides a roadmap for individuals seeking to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life. His work encourages us to embrace our unique blend of body and soul, to cultivate our moral and intellectual capabilities, and to seek out the deeper values that can guide us toward a more compassionate and harmonious world.

Weight: 538g
Dimension: 142 x 211 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780674984585