Marsilio Ficino – Wisdom

The jewel in the crown of virtues, which the eminent Florentine philosopher Marsilio Ficino says will bring a man happiness, is Wisdom. Indeed, ‘philosophy’ literally means ‘love of wisdom’. Ficino puts wisdom above all the other virtues because it ‘comprehends the whole essence of happiness’. Happiness, he says, consists in the successful achievement of the desired goal, but wisdom does this for every activity.

How does Ficino, called by some the Father of the Renaissance, and arguably the greatest mind of that glorious period, come to this conclusion? How is it that, at a time when knowledge and learning were meteoric in their ascent, this most ancient of virtues was being prized by the leaders of men above such worldly advantages as riches, nobility of birth, honours and power?

Explore the answer to these and many other questions which will arise in our study group. No previous knowledge is necessary – only an enquiring mind. Ficino is unlikely to disappoint!

Nine weekly sessions.

Next course starts: 11 May

Times 11.15 am – 12.30 pm

Presenter Nicholas de Mattos

Fees are £45 for one or two courses with concessions for full time students, students currently enrolled in the Philosophy or Economics courses, and non-earners.

Enrol by phone – 020 7034 4000 or on arrival for first session