Theological Origins of Modernity

68 chapter two
independence. 169 Th ese two positions, however, seem on the surface to be
contradictory. Th e concept of individuality that he deploys is intended to
resolve this contraction. Th ese two can be held together within the individual
if the individual is properly (and extensively) educated, chooses to
live a private rather than a public life, has the wherewithal to live a life of
leisure, has the will to master his passions, and is able to surround himself
with true friends.
Th e good life for Petrarch is thus possible only for exceptional individuals.
Consequently, there is unquestionably a fundamental elitism to Petrarch’s
position. Late in life, Petrarch remarked that he aimed to combine
Platonic wisdom, Christian dogma, and Ciceronian eloquence. 170 Th is was
of course a titanic task and he realized he had not been able to complete
it, but his magnifi cent example was a beginning that inspired successive
generations of humanists to follow this path. It is to an examination of this
humanist project that we now turn.