Peter Abelard
A medieval scholastic philosopher and theologian, famous for his intellectual prowess and tragic love affair.
Most quoted
"I preferred the weapons of dialectic to all the other teachings of philosophy, and armed with these I chose the conflicts of disputation instead of the trophies of war."
— from Historia Calamitatum
"We call the intention good which is right in itself, but the action is good not because it contains within it some good, but because it issues from a good intention."
— from Ethics (Scito Teipsum)
"We set forth the various opinions of the Fathers, not to decide the question, but to provoke the young readers to the maximum effort in seeking the truth."
— from Sic et Non
All quotes by Peter Abelard (153)
The purpose of philosophy is to lead us to a better understanding of God and ourselves.
I have always preferred the path of reason to the path of authority.
My life has been a series of misfortunes, but I have never lost my faith in God.
The love of wisdom is the greatest good.
To live without philosophy is to live without a guide.
The true measure of a man is not his wealth or his power, but his wisdom.
I have always sought to live a life of virtue, even when it was difficult.
The pursuit of knowledge is a noble endeavor.
Let us not be afraid to question, for in questioning we find truth.
My greatest joy has been in teaching and learning.
The beginning of wisdom is found in doubting; by doubting we come to the question, and by seeking we may come upon the truth.
By doubting we come to inquiry, and by inquiry we perceive the truth.
Logic is the science of sciences.
Against the disease of the mind, which is worse than the diseases of the body, both philosophers and physicians prescribe logic.
Nothing is so difficult but that it may be found out by seeking.
The key to wisdom is this - constant practice.
We are but men, and must yield to fate.
My perils were numerous, but my courage was greater.
The love which our hearts conceived for one another has turned to hatred.
I am surprised at your surprise.
Contemporaries of Peter Abelard
Other Philosophys born within 50 years of Peter Abelard (1079–1142).