Anselm of Canterbury

 NAME: Anselm of Canterbury (also known as Anselm of Aosta or Anselm of Bec)

WHAT FAMOUS FOR: Anselm of Canterbury is renowned for his contributions to medieval philosophy and theology, particularly his ontological argument for the existence of God.

BIRTH: Anselm was born in 1033/34 in Aosta, Lombardy, part of the Kingdom of Burgundy (present-day Italy).

FAMILY BACKGROUND: Born into a noble Lombard family. His father, Gondulf, intended him for a political career, while his mother, Ermenberga, instilled in him a deep faith.

CHILDHOOD: Details are scarce, but Anselm seemed to have a strong affinity for learning from a young age. A childhood vision inspired him to pursue a religious life.

EDUCATION: Anselm studied under renowned philosopher Lanfranc at the Benedictine Abbey of Bec in Normandy. He absorbed logic, philosophy, and theology, becoming a highly respected scholar.

CAREER RECORD: 1063 AD: Became prior of Bec Abbey.

1078 AD: Elected abbot of Bec Abbey.

1093 AD: Appointed Archbishop of Canterbury by King William II of England. Anselm had tried to refuse on the grounds of age and ill-health for months.

A 19th-century portrayal of Anselm being dragged to the cathedral by the English bishops

Anselm of Canterbury's tenure as archbishop was marked by two periods of exile, both stemming from the Investiture Controversy. This conflict centered on the appointment of bishops and abbots, with the king claiming the right to invest them with symbols of their office (staff and ring), while the Church argued for papal authority in such matters.

1093-1100 & 1105-1107 AD: Faced exile due to conflicts with the English crown regarding the Investiture Controversy, which involved the king's control over Church appointments.

1100-1105 & 1107-1109 AD: Advocated for Church reform and defended its independence from secular authority.

1109 AD: Died in Canterbury, England.

APPEARANCE: No known descriptions of his physical appearance exist. Described as a man of contemplation, Anselm likely had a dignified and scholarly appearance.

A late 16th-century engraving of Anselm, archbishop of Canterbury

FASHION: As a medieval clergyman, Anselm would have worn the traditional ecclesiastical robes reflective of his religious role..

CHARACTER: Anselm was characterized by his deep piety, intellectual rigor, and unwavering commitment to the pursuit of truth.

SENSE OF HUMOR: While his writings reflect a serious and contemplative nature, historical records provide little insight into Anselm's sense of humor.

RELATIONSHIPS: Anselm's most significant relationships were with his fellow monks and scholars, including his mentor Lanfranc. His letters reveal his caring and paternal concern for the well-being of those under his guidance.

 He formed respectful connections with some kings and popes despite conflicts arising from his defense of Church autonomy.

MONEY AND FAME: Anselm, despite his influential position, lived a modest and ascetic life. He prioritized intellectual pursuits over personal wealth or fame.

FOOD AND DRINK: Likely followed the dietary restrictions of the Benedictine order, emphasizing moderation and simplicity.

MUSIC AND ARTS: While there are no direct records of Anselm's personal engagement with music or the arts, his writings demonstrate a deep appreciation for the beauty and order of the universe, which some scholars believe suggests an indirect appreciation for artistic expression.  The intellectual rigor and elegance of his theological works can also be seen as a form of artistic expression, using language to explore complex ideas with clarity and beauty.

LITERATURE: A prolific writer, Anselm's literary contributions encompass theological treatises, letters, and philosophical works, with his notable piece being Proslogion. His works addressed the nature of God, faith, and reason, influencing generations of scholars.

NATURE: While Anselm's writings don't extensively touch on nature, the medieval worldview often saw God's hand in the natural world, which may have influenced his contemplations.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS: His life was primarily dedicated to intellectual pursuits, leaving little room for recreational hobbies or sports.

SCIENCE AND MATHS: Anselm's education included basic knowledge of science and mathematics, but his true passion lay in theology and philosophy.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY: Anselm's significant contributions to philosophical theology include the ontological argument, exploring the nature of God and the relationship between faith and reason.

Philosopher: Anselm is considered the "father of Scholasticism," a philosophical and theological movement that merged faith and reason. He is also known for his "ontological argument" for the existence of God.

Theologian: He defended the Church's authority and contributed significantly to Christian theology, particularly regarding the atonement and the nature of God.

Archbishop of Canterbury: During his turbulent tenure, Anselm championed church independence from secular authority.

SCANDAL: No known scandals associated with his life. He maintained a reputation for integrity and piety.

MILITARY RECORD: Anselm was not involved in military activities, as his focus was on religious and philosophical matters.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS: When Anselm reached fifteen, he sensed a calling to join a monastery. However, due to his inability to secure his father's approval, the abbot rejected his request. Some have interpreted the subsequent illness he experienced as a psychosomatic response to his profound disappointment.

He endured hardships during his travels and exile, suggesting a degree of resilience.

HOMES: Anselm's life was centered around his monastic life. His primary homes were the monasteries where he resided.  He spent his formative years at the Abbey of Le Bec in Normandy, France, which became a renowned center of learning under his leadership.  Later, he served as Archbishop of Canterbury, England, but his conflicts with the king forced him into exile for several years.

TRAVEL: Anselm's travels were primarily related to his religious duties.  He journeyed from Italy to France to pursue monastic life.  His reputation as a scholar and theologian led him to visit England on inspection tours of monasteries, which ultimately resulted in his appointment as Archbishop of Canterbury.  He also traveled within England on Church business and spent several years in exile on the continent due to disputes with the king.

DEATH: Anselm died on April 21, 1109, in Canterbury, England.  He was canonized as a saint in 1163 and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1720.  His feast day is celebrated on April 21st, the anniversary of his death.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA: Anselm's philosophical and theological contributions have earned him recognition, though not necessarily widespread appearances in popular media.

He is featured in scholarly works on medieval philosophy and theology.

Documentaries exploring the history of the Catholic Church or medieval England may mention him.

Historical fiction set in the period might portray him as a character.

ACHIEVEMENTS: Shaped the development of Western philosophy and theology through his contributions to Scholasticism.

Offered a rational approach to religious faith through his philosophical arguments, particularly his ontological argument for the existence of God.