Ludovico Ariosto: 'From heresy, frenzy and jealousy, good Lord deliver me.'

From heresy, frenzy and jealousy, good Lord deliver me.

Summary: Ludovico Ariosto's quote, "From heresy, frenzy, and jealousy, good Lord deliver me," captures the desire for freedom from destructive emotions and beliefs. This quote highlights the importance of seeking liberation from negative influences. However, let us delve deeper into this concept and explore an unexpected philosophical concept that sheds new light on the quote.In its straightforward interpretation, Ariosto's quote reflects a sincere plea for deliverance from heresy, frenzy, and jealousy. These three detrimental forces can poison the mind and soul, leading individuals down a path of confusion, irrationality, and resentment. The quote serves as a reminder of the detrimental effects these emotions and beliefs can have on our well-being and relationships.Moving beyond the surface meaning of the quote, we can bring an unexpected philosophical concept into the discussion: existentialism. Existentialism encourages individuals to take full responsibility for their own existence and to find meaning in their lives through personal choices and actions. Interestingly, this philosophical school of thought aligns with the desire for liberation from heresy, frenzy, and jealousy.Existentialism, at its core, values individual freedom and the power to transcend the influences that may hinder one's authentic existence. It emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and self-awareness in order to confront the destructive forces that Ariosto mentions in his quote. By acknowledging these influences, we can actively work towards freeing ourselves from their grasp.When comparing Ariosto's plea for deliverance to existentialist principles, we see a clear parallelism. Just as the quote expresses a desire to be delivered from heresy, frenzy, and jealousy, existentialism emphasizes the need to free ourselves from external opinions and societal pressures that can hinder our self-discovery and limit our potential. Both highlight the importance of individual agency and liberation from destructive influences.However, while Ariosto's quote seems focused on seeking deliverance from external forces, existentialism encourages us to take responsibility for our own actions and to recognize that true deliverance lies within ourselves. It is not solely the responsibility of a higher power. This contrast adds depth and complexity to the quote, guiding us to consider the role we play in freeing ourselves from these destructive emotions and beliefs.In essence, Ariosto's quote, "From heresy, frenzy, and jealousy, good Lord deliver me," encompasses the universal desire for freedom from harmful influences. By introducing the unexpected philosophical concept of existentialism, we uncover a deeper understanding of this plea for deliverance. It prompts us to reflect on the importance of self-awareness, personal agency, and the role we play in freeing ourselves from the destructive forces that can cloud our minds and hinder our growth. May we all find the strength to seek the deliverance we desire and transcend the limitations that hold us back.