Skip links

Inspirational Quotations

by RightAttitudes.com

Inspirational Quotes by Petrarch (Italian Scholar)

Inspirational Quotations by Petrarch (Italian Scholar)

Francesco Petrarca (1304–74) was an Italian poet who generally wrote in Latin. He is regarded as the father of Italian humanism and the originator of the revived study of Greek and Latin literature. His work had a significant influence on later Renaissance writers.

Petrarch is best known for the anthology of Italian lyrics variously known as the Canzoniere or the Rerum Vulgarium Fragmenta, (c.1351–53; Poetic Fragments in the Vernacular) a sonnet sequence in praise of “Laura,” a woman whom he idealized in the style of earlier poets, but presented in a more realistic and human light.

Petrarch’s other works, which include an autobiography (1342–58,) explain his belief in the compatibility of classical and Christian traditions.

More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Petrarch

Who over-refines his argument brings himself to grief.
—Petrarch
Topics: One liners

Five great enemies to peace inhabit with us: vice, avarice, ambition, envy, anger, and pride. If those enemies were to be banished, we should infallibly enjoy perpetual peace.
—Petrarch

To be able to say how much you love is to love but little.
—Petrarch
Topics: Love

The end of doubt is the beginning of repose.
—Petrarch
Topics: Doubt

Love is the crowning grace of humanity, the holiest right of the soul, the golden link which binds us to duty and truth, the redeeming principle that chiefly reconciles the heart of life, and is prophetic of eternal good.
—Petrarch

Five enemies of peace inhabit with us—avarice, ambition, envy, anger, and pride; if these were to be banished, we should infallibly enjoy perpetual peace.
—Petrarch
Topics: Peace, Enemies

Sameness is the mother of disgust, variety the cure.
—Petrarch

Wondering Whom to Read Next?