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 heart has its reasons which reason knows nothing of.
Knowledge is power, but wisdom is strength.
In doubt, we find clarity.
God writes straight with crooked lines.
The past cannot be changed, but the future is in our hands.
Logic illuminates the darkness of ignorance.
True love seeks no reward.
The essence of theology is reason.
Suffering refines the soul.
Question authority, for truth lies beyond.
The mind's eye sees what the heart desires.
Philosophy is the handmaid of theology.
In every adversity lies opportunity.
The pursuit of knowledge is endless.
Love conquers all, even reason.
Doubt is the origin of wisdom.
The divine spark is in every soul.
Regret is the thief of peace.
Reason guides the ship of faith.
The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, but illusion.
Contemporaries of Peter Abelard
Other Philosophys born within 50 years of Peter Abelard (1079–1142).