The Philosophy of Conrad Celtis, German Arch-Humanist1
Lewis Spitz
Mortuus ille quidem sed longum vivus in aevum Colloquitur doctis per sua scripta viris —Epitaphium Celtis ab ipso compositum If mental discipline and capacity for sustained thought are essential attributes of a formal philosopher, then Conrad Celtis, whom D. F. Strauss christened “the German arch-humanist,” was far from being one. On the big questions Celtis' thinking protean inconclusive. He showed grand indifference to need consistency. In remarkable way he combined Platonic mysticism with an Aristotelian view nature. savagely attacked church, its clergy, dogma, yet performed his religious duties as though no trace doubt marred serenity simple faith. lead openly immoral life, if not so successfully boasted, at end turned comforts pious death. very real these contradictions were alone, but less obviously those whole generation.
Studies in the Renaissance