Francesco Petrarca (1304–74) was an Italian poet who generally wrote in Latin. He is regarded as the father of Italian humanism and the originator of the revived study of Greek and Latin literature. His work had a significant influence on later Renaissance writers.
Petrarch is best known for the anthology of Italian lyrics variously known as the Canzoniere or the Rerum Vulgarium Fragmenta, (c.1351–53; Poetic Fragments in the Vernacular) a sonnet sequence in praise of “Laura,” a woman whom he idealized in the style of earlier poets, but presented in a more realistic and human light.
Petrarch’s other works, which include an autobiography (1342–58,) explain his belief in the compatibility of classical and Christian traditions.
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Love is the crowning grace of humanity, the holiest right of the soul, the golden link which binds us to duty and truth, the redeeming principle that chiefly reconciles the heart of life, and is prophetic of eternal good.
—Petrarch
Who over-refines his argument brings himself to grief.
—Petrarch
Topics: One liners
Five great enemies to peace inhabit with us: vice, avarice, ambition, envy, anger, and pride. If those enemies were to be banished, we should infallibly enjoy perpetual peace.
—Petrarch
Sameness is the mother of disgust, variety the cure.
—Petrarch
Five enemies of peace inhabit with us — avarice, ambition, envy, anger, and pride; if these were to be banished, we should infallibly enjoy perpetual peace.
—Petrarch
Topics: Enemies, Peace
The end of doubt is the beginning of repose.
—Petrarch
Topics: Doubt
To be able to say how much you love is to love but little.
—Petrarch
Topics: Love
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