Single Idea 9288

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / B. History of Ideas / 4. Early European Thought]

Full Idea

The magic of Asclepius, reinterpreted through Plotinus, enters with Ficino's De Vita into the neo-platonic philosophy of the Renaissance, and, moreover, into Ficino's Christian Platonism.

Gist of Idea

The magic of Asclepius enters Renaissance thought mixed into Ficino's neo-platonism

Source

Frances A. Yates (Giordano Bruno and Hermetic Tradition [1964], Ch.4)

Book Reference

Yates,Frances A.: 'Giordano Bruno and the Hermetic Tradition' [Chicago 1991], p.68


A Reaction

Asclepius is the source of 'Hermetic' philosophy. This move seems to be what gives the Renaissance period its rather quirky and distinctive character. Montaigne was not a typical figure. Most of them wanted to become gods and control the stars!