Oration on the Dignity of Man

“Most esteemed Fathers, I have read in the ancient writings of the Arabians that Abdala the Saracen on being asked what, on this stage, so to say, of the world, seemed to him most evocative of wonder, replied that there was nothing to be seen more marvelous than man.” 

Here, Pico introduces the topic of man. He describes man as the most fortunate creature for having freedom. This viewpoint of man as having freedom distinguishes Pico from other philosophers.

“If vegetative, he will become a plant; if sensual, he will become brutish; if rational, he will reveal himself a heavenly being.”

A man can rise or fall, through his actions. Man has freedom, and through this freedom he can become different. Pico encourages man to rational activity, instead of acting in the manner of lower forms.

“For it is not the bark that makes the tree, but its insensitive and unresponsive nature; nor the hide which makes the beast of burden, but its brute and sensual soul; nor the orbicular form which makes the heavens, but their harmonious order.”

Here, Pico describes how people become like their actions. A man who acts like a plant becomes a plant, not in having bark but in lying still. The heavenly bodies act in a more rational way.