Giambattista Vico

Date of Birth: June 23, 1668

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: January 23, 1744

Biography

Giambattista Vico was an Italian philosopher, historian, and jurist born in Naples. He is best known for his work in the philosophy of history and for his theory of the cyclical course of human development, which he detailed in his seminal work, “Scienza Nuova” (The New Science). Vico’s ideas have had a profound influence on the fields of history, philosophy, and anthropology. He challenged the Enlightenment’s emphasis on rationalism, arguing that knowledge is rooted in the historical and cultural contexts of human societies. Vico’s early education was informal, largely self-taught due to a serious illness that interrupted his schooling. He later studied law at the University of Naples but was more interested in philosophy and philology. Vico’s career included various academic posts, most notably as a professor of rhetoric at the University of Naples. Despite his innovative ideas, he struggled to gain recognition during his lifetime, and his work only gained significant attention posthumously.

5 Interesting Facts about Giambattista Vico

1. Vico is considered one of the earliest proponents of the idea that history is shaped by human actions and culture, rather than just divine providence or fate.

2. His concept of “corsi e ricorsi” (courses and recourses) suggests that history is cyclical, with societies rising, falling, and then rising again in a recurring pattern.

3. Vico argued that understanding a culture requires an appreciation of its language, myths, and traditions, laying early groundwork for modern anthropology.

4. Despite his groundbreaking ideas, Vico lived in relative obscurity, and his work was not widely appreciated until the 19th and 20th centuries.

5. He believed that true wisdom comes from an understanding of the human condition, which can only be achieved through the study of history and culture.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Giambattista Vico

1. “Uniform ideas originating among entire peoples unknown to each other must have a common ground of truth.”

2. “The nature of peoples is first crude, then severe, then benign, then delicate, finally dissolute.”

3. “Men first feel necessity, then look for utility, next attend to comfort, still later amuse themselves with pleasure, and finally go mad and waste their substance.”

4. “The first science to be learned should be the science of man.”

5. “Governments must conform to the nature of the men governed.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As a philosopher and academic in the 17th and 18th centuries, Vico did not achieve significant financial wealth. His net worth, in contemporary terms, would be considered modest.

Children

Giambattista Vico had several children, although detailed records of their lives are scarce. His family faced financial difficulties, and Vico’s academic career was marked by struggles to support them.