In his Oration on the Dignity of Man, Pico della Mirandola talks about how man is the most important creature in the universe. He claims that because God gave man free will, man has the ability to choose which creature to become. Man can be like an animal, ferocious and sensitive. Man can be like a plant, mindless and focused on his own needs. Man can be like an angel, intellectual in spirit and striving towards knowledge. Man can even withdraw within himself to be like God, removing himself from his body and into his spiritual soul to be united with God. Because of this freedom to choose, according to Mirandola, man has the ability to rank higher than all of these.
I agree completely with Mirandola's words. I believe that there is a God who chose man to rule the earth with the power of freedom of choice. Man does have the ability to be like a plant, animal, angel, or God, depending upon which he chooses. There are, within my life, people which I can classify as each, with the exception of withdrawing to be like God. However, I disagree with Mirandola's idea that man should praise his own greatness. In my opinion, humility is not gained by boasting of humility, and man is most dignified when he is humble.
I agree completely with Mirandola's words. I believe that there is a God who chose man to rule the earth with the power of freedom of choice. Man does have the ability to be like a plant, animal, angel, or God, depending upon which he chooses. There are, within my life, people which I can classify as each, with the exception of withdrawing to be like God. However, I disagree with Mirandola's idea that man should praise his own greatness. In my opinion, humility is not gained by boasting of humility, and man is most dignified when he is humble.