Nicholas of Cusa

Nicholas of Cusa (1401-1464), German cardinal, scholar, mathematician, scientist, and philosopher. As a doctor of canon law, he wrote (1433) in defence of the conciliar theory that asserted the supremacy of Church councils over the pope. Later, however, he reversed his position and became an ardent supporter of the papacy. In 1450 he was made bishop of Brixen, or Bressanone, an ecclesiastical principality. The Habsburg archduke Sigismund strongly opposed the appointment because of Cusa's proposals for reform. Sigismund briefly imprisoned Cusa, and, as a result, the archduke was excommunicated.

Cusa was learned not only in theology but also in mathematics, science, and philosophy. An opponent of Scholasticism, he argued that true wisdom lies in the recognition of human ignorance and that knowledge of the deity is possible only through intuition, a higher state of intelligence. Cusa anticipated the teachings of Giordano Bruno, and he suggested a reform of the calendar later carried out by Pope Gregory XIII. His theory on the rotation of the Earth pre-dated that of Copernicus by nearly a century. Cusa also became involved in scientific experimentation, diagnostic medicine, botany, cartography, and manuscript collecting. Among his discoveries were 12 comedies by the Roman playwright Plautus.