Aphorism and the Counsel of Prudence in Early Modern Statecraft: The Curious Case of Justus Lipsius
David Martin Jones
Aphorism and the Counsel of Prudence in Early Modern Statecraft: The Curious Case Justus Lipsius David Martin Jones (bio) I: Introduction In Of Reformation (1641) Milton lamented that, ‘there is no art that hath bin more canker’d her principles, soyl’d slubber’d with aphorising pedantry than policie’.1 further contended it was ‘masterpiece modern politician’ to mould ‘the people’ precepts. evidently questioned this development condemned tribe ‘Aphorismers Politicasters’ for undermining or ‘breaking a national spirit’.2 early seventeenth century, despite Milton’s disapprobation, nevertheless very much age politicaster. No source aphorisms as useful practice distinctive character, politician, Politica Lipsius. Lipsius, through his recensions Seneca Tacitus, careful selection quotations illustrate political personal predicaments means their prudential resolution, established, effect, Neostoic foundations evolving European ‘art policie’.3 [End Page 55] This essay examines character Lipsian thought, rhetorical genre which promulgated, moral implications advice. It will evaluate Lipsius’s counsel, not only popular works (1589) De Constantia (1584), but also less well-known later Manuductionis ad Stoicam philosophiam (1604), Monita et Exempla (1605), Physiologiae Stoicorum (1605). aphoristic style pioneered be considered. evaluated light Eric Voegelin’s claim ‘aphoristic style’ unusually valuable historian ideas, because ‘here he find themselves are elaborated clearly systems, at point where they begin separate symbols from matrix sentiments motives animate creation still visible’.4 Significantly, aphorizing dismissed, somewhat problematically given own penchant commonplace books, took long time fade. Its appeal, suited prevailing Counter-Reformation mode casuistic discourse, declined Enlightenment philosophy became theoretical rather practical prudential. fact, idiom understanding gave way an ideological cast thought. Who, we might, therefore, initially ask, what exactly purpose other theologico-political counsel? II. (1547–1606) Ambivalence Late Northern Humanism By first decades major canon had been widely disseminated across Europe. 1637, Antwerp publisher, Plantin-Moretus, published definitive four-volume Opera Omnia complete Rubens’s frontispiece set by Galle atelier.5 His status lay both apparent support centralizing, absolutist states introduction carefully crafted, Christianized, Neostoicism 56] elite audience. As philological scholar, editions Tacitus guide Stoic thought Manuductio established him leading humanist late sixteenth century. work on fortitude commitment ethic constancy troubled times notwithstanding, enjoyed contemporary posthumous reputation tergiversation. More particularly, Dutch Protestants, engaged existential struggle survival republic after 1578, criticized duplicity, shape shifting and, ironically, inconstancy. accusation reflected willingness change confessional allegiance circumstances demanded. Educated Cologne Jesuit college, Bursa Nova Tricoronata, 1568 young Joest Lips (Lipsius) entered service Cardinal Granvelle private secretary. played role Spanish policy repression towards its Netherlands dependencies. Subsequently, Calvinists resisted masters, sought preferment court Hapsburg emperor, Maximilian II, found post Lutheran University Jena...
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