Author: John of Salibury, John Dickinson
He was an adviser to Thomas Becket in 1159. Thomas Becket was famous for his defiance against Henry the second.
Date/ Context: He is writing this text to advise other prices and rulers on who to take advise from and who to trust. He is also saying how a true ruler should go about ruling his land and him people.
Summary: In this text Dickinson is saying that a prince or ruler is not above god but the ruler follows god and his demands will reflect what god really desires. He says that anyone who does not follow a ruler who is doing gods work is going against god and should be punished. The people under the prices rule should devoutly follow him and even worship him for he will protect his people and do what is right for them. The price or ruler can only get advise from god or other people who represent him in earth.c
Key Quote: "Who, therefor, resists the ruling power, resists the ordinance god"(333)
"Prince, who is subject only to god and to those who excessive His office"(334)
Alex,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your summary of "The Responsibilities of Kingship." You did a great job at summarizing the document for study purposes. I also feel the quotes you used properly epitomize this document. The contents/date is also very concise and easy to understand.
Some points to consider include your Author's Bio. To better understand John of Salisbury's role in society at that time it is best to add Thomas Becket's Title, Archbishop of Canterbury. I also would have liked to see more information in the authors bio by including his other offices, not only was he advisor to the Archbishop of Canterbury, he also was Bishop of Chartres. Finally, in your punctuation, please be mindful of capitalization. When speaking of the Christian Monotheistic God, be sure to capitalize the word God. Overall this summary was concise and a good study tool.
Good job! John of Salisbury (ca. 1120-1180), an English bishop and humanist, was considered the most cultured man of his day. The book this excerpt is taken from, "The Statesman's Book," was the first study of the relationship between the state and the prince. His ideas will eventually come to influence rulers during the age of Absolutism. This document also strikes an authoritative tone.
ReplyDeleteAnother quote to consider: "The place of the head in the body of the commonwealth is filled by the prince, who is subject only to God and to those who exercise His office and represent Him on earth."