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Pico vs. Machiavelli
The Renaissance attempted to answer the question of how it is possible that freedom (free will) can reside at both ends of the spectrum...the thing that makes man both the best...and the worst...of God's creation. Pico and Machiavelli were on opposing ends of the spectrum and held differing perspectives on the nature of man. Pico della Mirandola suggested that freedom was an "awesome prize or gift", whereas Machiavelli felt that "freedom in the hands of the people will be the cause of their own demise". My question is: Do you see the world from Pico's...or Machiavelli's perspective...and why? Do you think our freedoms are or will be our own demise?
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