How Pantagruel, being at Paris, received letters from his father Gargantua, and the copy of them

I intend, and will have it so, that thou learn the languages perfectly; first of all the Greek, as Quintilian will have it; secondly, the Latin; and then the Hebrew, for the Holy Scripture sake; and then the Chaldee and Arabic likewise, and that thou frame thy style in Greek in imitation of Plato, and for the Latin after Cicero. Let there be no history which thou shalt not have ready in thy memory; unto the prosecuting of which design, books of cosmography will be very conducible and help thee much. Of the liberal arts of geometry, arithmetic, and music, I gave thee some taste when thou wert yet little, and not above five or six years old. Proceed further in them, and learn the remainder if thou canst. As for astronomy, study all the rules thereof. Let pass, nevertheless, the divining and judicial astrology, and the art of Lullius, as being nothing else but plain abuses and vanities. As for the civil law, of that I would have thee to know the texts by heart, and then to confer them with philosophy.

Now, in matter of the knowledge of the works of nature, I would have thee to study that exactly, and that so there be no sea, river, nor fountain, of which thou dost not know the fishes; all the fowls of the air; all the several kinds of shrubs and trees, whether in forests or orchards; all the sorts of herbs and flowers that grow upon the ground; all the various metals that are hid within the bowels of the earth; together with all the diversity of precious stones that are to be seen in the orient and south parts of the world. Let nothing of all these be hidden from thee. Then fail not most carefully to peruse the books of the Greek, Arabian, and Latin physicians, not despising the Talmudists and Cabalists; and by frequent anatomies get thee the perfect knowledge of the other world, called the microcosm, which is man. And at some hours of the day apply thy mind to the study of the Holy Scriptures; first in Greek, the New Testament, with the Epistles of the Apostles; and then the Old Testament in Hebrew. In brief, let me see thee an abyss and bottomless pit of knowledge; for from henceforward, as thou growest great and becomest a man, thou must part from this tranquillity and rest of study, thou must learn chivalry, warfare, and the exercises of the field, the better thereby to defend my house and our friends, and to succour and protect them at all their needs against the invasion and assaults of evildoers.

Furthermore, I will that very shortly thou try how much thou hast profited, which thou canst not better do than by maintaining publicly theses and conclusions in all arts against all persons whatsoever, and by haunting the company of learned men, both at Paris and otherwhere. But because, as the wise man Solomon saith, Wisdom entereth not into a malicious mind, and that knowledge without conscience is but the ruin of the soul, it behoveth thee to serve, to love, to fear God, and on him to cast all thy thoughts and all thy hope, and by faith formed in charity to cleave unto him, so that thou mayst never be separated from him by thy sins. Suspect the abuses of the world. Set not thy heart upon vanity, for this life is transitory, but the Word of the Lord endureth for ever. Be serviceable to all thy neighbours, and love them as thyself. Reverence thy preceptors: shun the conversation of those whom thou desirest not to resemble, and receive not in vain the graces which God hath bestowed upon thee. And, when thou shalt see that thou hast attained to all the knowledge that is to be acquired in that part, return unto me, that I may see thee and give thee my blessing before I die. My son, the peace and grace of our Lord be with thee. Amen.

Clique pour lire : The Renaissance Curriculum of Excellence

Syllabus: The Renaissance Curriculum of Excellence

Objective

To cultivate a well-rounded, knowledgeable, and virtuous individual, proficient in languages, sciences, arts, and moral philosophy, capable of contributing to society through intellect, action, and character.

I. Language Mastery

1. Primary Languages
Greek: Study foundational texts, emulate the style of Plato.
Latin: Master Latin rhetoric and prose through Cicero.
Hebrew: Focus on the Holy Scriptures.
Chaldee and Arabic: For linguistic breadth and cultural understanding.

2. Language Goals
Achieve fluency and stylistic sophistication.
Memorize and interpret key texts in each language.

II. History and Cosmography

1. Historical Studies
Memorize significant historical events, figures, and themes from world history.
Analyze historical contexts and their impact on society.

2. Cosmography
Explore geographic texts to understand the world’s lands, seas, and cultures.

III. Liberal Arts

1. Geometry: Advance from basic principles to higher-level applications.
2. Arithmetic: Develop quantitative reasoning and mathematical fluency.
3. Music: Study music theory and practice as a reflection of divine harmony.

IV. Natural Sciences

1. Astronomy
Study celestial movements and astronomical principles.
Exclude divination and astrology.

2. Biology and Ecology
Master knowledge of flora, fauna, and ecosystems: identify all species of fish, birds, trees, herbs, and flowers.
Explore the diversity of metals and precious stones globally.

3. Anatomy and Medicine
Conduct anatomical studies of the human body (microcosm).
Study Greek, Arabian, and Latin medical texts, including Talmudic and Cabalistic perspectives.

V. Philosophy and Law

1. Philosophy
Compare philosophical principles with legal texts.
Cultivate moral reasoning and ethical decision-making.

2. Civil Law
Memorize legal texts and engage in comparative analysis with philosophical works.

VI. Theology and Scripture

1. Scriptural Studies
Study the New Testament in Greek and the Old Testament in Hebrew.
Develop theological understanding and spiritual discipline.

2. Religious Practice
Cultivate faith, charity, and a conscientious approach to life.
Reflect on moral teachings to align knowledge with virtue.

VII. Physical and Martial Training

1. Chivalry and Warfare
Train in martial skills and field exercises.
Learn strategies for defense and protection.

2. Physical Fitness
Engage in physical training to maintain strength and readiness.

VIII. Intellectual Debate and Networking

1. Public Thesis Defense
Present and defend theses across disciplines in public forums.
Engage in intellectual discourse with learned individuals.

2. Scholarly Communities
Visit academic hubs such as Paris to exchange ideas and build networks.

IX. Virtue and Ethical Conduct

1. Moral Education
Love, fear, and serve God.
Develop humility, charity, and service to others.

2. Social Behavior
Respect teachers and mentors.
Avoid vanity and immoral influences.

Assessment and Reflection

Regularly assess knowledge and skills through debates and practical application.
Return to mentor upon mastering the curriculum for final blessings and guidance.

Conclusion

This curriculum aspires to create a Renaissance individual who is an « abyss and bottomless pit of knowledge, » balanced by moral integrity and spiritual devotion. The ultimate goal is to equip the student for both intellectual and practical excellence in service to society and God.