This study explores a specific way of thinking about history and its use: the idea of history as magistra vitae. It aims to uncover the previously underexplored influence that an emulative understanding of ancient history had in shaping the work of certain key modem political thinkers. Its specific focus is, however, narrower: the lessons from history centred on the individual, and only those: examples which further greatness. For authors adopting such an idea of history, the emulation of great examples from the past is taken as the key to the conduct of one's own life and, more importantly, as indispensable for men who lead a vita activa. The main interest of this work is turned towards the view of history as an inducement for action: as a stimulus to strive for a vita activa of great political accomplishments, providing the reader also with a lesson about how to achieve them.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:504990 |
| Date | January 2009 |
| Creators | Regent, Nikola |
| Publisher | University of Exeter |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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