Petrarch's Secret; or, the Soul's Conflict with Passion : Three Dialogues Between Himself and S. Augustine

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Petrarca, Francesco, 1304-1374

Contributor:

Draper, William H., 1855-1933

Standardized Title:

Secretum. English

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource : multiple file formats

Place of Publication:

Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg,

Summary:

"Petrarch's Secret; or, the Soul's Conflict with Passion" by Francesco Petrarca is a philosophical dialogue written in the 14th century. The text comprises a series of three dialogues between Petrarch and Saint Augustine, delving into themes of human nature, desire, and the inner conflicts of the soul. It explores the dichotomy between earthly passions and the pursuit of spiritual truth, making it not only a literary piece but also a psychological inquiry into the human condition. The opening of "Petrarch's Secret" reveals a deeply introspective Petrarch engaging in an enlightening conversation with Saint Augustine about the nature of human suffering and the inevitability of death. The dialogue begins with Augustine urging Petrarch to confront his mortality and recognize the futility of clinging to transient pleasures. Their discourse unfolds with Petrarch expressing his emotional struggle and desire for liberation from his burdens, while Augustine, through pointed questions, challenges him to see his reality with clarity. This initial exchange sets the stage for a profound exploration of the conflict between worldly desires and the pursuit of higher truths, encapsulating the themes of introspection and moral urgency that resonate throughout the work. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Credits:

Produced by Marc D'Hooghe

Notes:

Wikipedia page about this book: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secretum_(book)

Reading ease score: 71.1 (7th grade). Fairly easy to read.

Release date is 2015-07-16