Nicholas of Cusa Quotes

German philosopher (1401 – 1464)

Nicholas of Cusa (1401 – August 11, 1464), also referred to as Nicolaus Cusanus and Nicholas of Kues, was a German philosopher, theologian, jurist, astronomer, cardinal and mystic of the Catholic Church. One of the first German proponents of Renaissance humanism, he made spiritual and political contributions in European history. A notable example of this is his mystical or spiritual writings on "learned ignorance," as well as his participation in power struggles between Rome and the German states of the Holy Roman Empire. Papal legate to Germany from 1446, he was appointed cardinal for his merits by Pope Nicholas V in 1448 and Prince–Bishop of Brixen two years later. In 1459 he became vicar general in the papal states.

From: Wikiquote (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Native Name: Nikolaus Krebs, Nikolaus von Kues, Nicholas Kryffts

Alternative Names: Cusanus bem foda • Nikolaus Krebs • Nikolaus von Kues • Nikolaus Cusanus • Nikolaus Cryfftz • Nikolaus von Cusa • Nicholas of Kues • P. Nicolavm Cvsanvm • Cardinal Nicholas of Cusa • Nicolaus Cusanus • Nicolas of Cusa • Nikolay kuzalik • Cusanus • Nicolaus von Cues

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In God, absolute unity is absolute multiplicity, absolute identity is absolute diversity; absolute actuality is absolute potentiality

And when I behold Thee as absolute Infinity, to whom is befitting neither the name of creating Creator nor of creatable Creator-then indeed I begin to behold Thee unveiled, and to enter into the garden of delights!

All we know of the truth is that the absolute truth, such as it is, is beyond our reach.