Nugae Curialium: Criticism of Dispositions of the Courtiers in Political Thought of Twelfth Century England

In: Izvestiya of Saratov University. History. International Relations, Band 12, Heft 3, S. 9-14

Abstract

This article deals with the problem of frivolities («nugae») in social and political life of England in the twelfth century. According to John of Salisbury's «Policraticus of the frivolities of courtiers and the footprints of philosophers» («Policraticus sive de nugis curialium et vestigiis philosophorum», 1159) frivolities are the most significant part of «vita tyranni». Not only courtiers, but also kings, live without understanding of their great role in the state. Immoderate love of hunting, games of chance, magic, music and theatre transforms «reasonable human» into «unbalanced animal». These frivolities influence on the courtiers and their king, who substitutes ideals of «common life» and «common safety» for the «love of himself» and self interests. John of Salisbury fights against «epicurean» apology of pleasures in common and individual life of all parts of society, especially in life of courtiers, and defends Christian ideals of moderation. Thinker creates an image of king and his court in the mirror of frivolities. Study of such kind of everyday life helps to understand nature and peculiarities of perceptions of the unjust power (tyranny) in the middle ages.