“His (Islamic astronomer al-Farghani) legacy also endures through the Italian writer and poet Dante (1265-1321), who derived most of the astronomical knowledge he included in his DIVINE COMEDY from the writings of al-Farghani (whom he referred to by his Latin name, Alfraganus).”
Quote Analysis
In this quote by Jim Al-Khalili, the author highlights the enduring legacy of Islamic astronomer al-Farghani, particularly in the influence he had on the renowned Italian writer and poet Dante. It is noted that Dante derived much of his astronomical knowledge, which he incorporated into his work Divine Comedy, from the writings of al-Farghani, who was referred to by his Latin name Alfraganus. This connection between the two figures underscores the cross-cultural exchanges and transmission of knowledge that occurred during the medieval period, shaping the intellectual landscape of Europe.
Modern Relevance:
Dante's incorporation of astronomical knowledge from Islamic astronomer al-Farghani in his iconic work "The Divine Comedy" highlights the enduring impact of cross-cultural exchange and the influence of Islamic scholars on Western literature and science.
Influence of Islamic astronomer al-Farghani on Dante
“His (Islamic astronomer al-Farghani) legacy also endures through the Italian writer and poet Dante (1265-1321), who derived most of the astronomical knowledge he included in his Divine Comedy from the writings of al-Farghani (whom he referred to by his Latin name, Alfraganus).” - Jim Al-Khalili
Reflection Questions:
Upon learning about the influence of Islamic astronomer al-Farghani on the writings of Dante, consider the following questions:
- How does this connection between Islamic and European scholars challenge conventional narratives about the transmission of knowledge during the medieval period?
- In what ways does the incorporation of al-Farghani's work into the DIVINE COMEDY speak to the interconnectedness of different cultures and intellectual traditions?
- Reflect on the importance of recognizing and acknowledging the contributions of scholars from diverse backgrounds in shaping our understanding of the world.
Similar quotes
“When the Italian poet Dante described the center of hell in his poem The Divine Comedy, he got it wrong. The epicenter of Hades isn't Satan trapped in a block of ice munching on Judas Iscariot like an everlasting carrot stick. The center of hell is a restaurant on Mother's Day.”
“if an astronomer calculates from the skyhe will ascertain the paths of the moon and the stars;but in his house the womenfolk are at variance,and he does not perceive their various misconduct.”
“In his Comedy, Dante Alighieri names Virgil, with many tokens of respect, as his teacher, and yet as Herr Meinhard remarks, makes such ill use of him: clear proof that even in the days of Dante one praised the ancients without knowing why. This respect for poets one does not understand and yet wishes to equal is the source of the bad writing in our literature.”
“God's love is meteoric, his loyalty astronomic, His purpose titanic, his verdicts oceanic. Yet in his largeness nothing gets lost; Not a man, not a mouse, slips through the cracks.”
“[A]ll who are smitten with the love of books think cheaply of the world and wealth; as Jerome says to Vigilantius: The same man cannot love both gold and books... The hideousness of vice is greatly reprobated in books, so that he who loves to commune with books is lead to detest all manner of vice. The demon, who derives his name from knowledge, is most effectually defeated by the knowledge of books, and through books his multitudinous deceits and the endless labyrinths of his guile are laid bare to those who read...”