Chapter 79
St. Bonaventure Praises St. Dominic
Soon as its final word the blessed flame Had rais’d for utterance, straight the holy mill Began to wheel, nor yet had once revolv’d, Or ere another, circling, compass’d it, Motion to motion, song to song, conjoining, Song, that as much our muses doth excel, Our Sirens with their tuneful pipes, as ray Of primal splendour doth its faint reflex. As when, if Juno bid her handmaid forth, Two arches parallel, and trick’d alike, Span the thin cloud, the outer taking birth From that within (in manner of that voice Whom love did melt away, as sun the mist), And…
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Now let's explore the literary elements.
Key Quotes & Analysis
"Where one is, The other worthily should also be; That as their warfare was alike, alike Should be their glory."
Context: Opening argument for telling Dominic's story after Francis
Bonaventure establishes the principle of reciprocal honor, arguing that paired greatness deserves paired recognition. This reflects how humans naturally seek balance in acknowledging achievements and contributions.
In Today's Words:
When one person deserves recognition, their partner should receive equal honor. Since they fought the same battles together, they should share the same glory and acclaim. Ground it in the scene: who holds power, who absorbs risk, and what changes if you name it early.
"Not for the world’s sake, for which now they pore Upon Ostiense and Taddeo’s page, But for the real manna, soon he grew Mighty in learning"
Context: Contrasting Dominic's motive with worldly scholars
The contrast between worldly scholarship and spiritual nourishment reveals how people can become distracted by technical details while missing deeper truths. This shows the human tendency to prioritize impressive credentials over genuine wisdom.
In Today's Words:
He didn't study for worldly success like those who obsess over legal textbooks and commentaries, but sought real spiritual food and became truly powerful in learning. Ground it in the scene: who holds power, who absorbs risk, and what changes if you name it early.
"But the track, Which its smooth fellies made, is now deserted: That mouldy mother is where late were lees."
Context: Warning after praising Dominic's wheel of the two-yoked car
Bonaventure uses the metaphor of abandoned wheel tracks to describe institutional decay, showing how organizations can drift from their founding principles. This reflects the human challenge of maintaining original vision across generations.
In Today's Words:
But the path his movement once followed has been abandoned completely. Where there used to be fresh wine, now there's only moldy sediment. That is how it feels when institutions treat your survival as someone. You see the same squeeze when a manager passes blame down and the person with no exit absorbs the cost.
"Bonaventura’s life in me behold, From Bagnororegio, one, who in discharge Of my great offices still laid aside All sinister aim."
Context: Naming himself and the blessed wreath after Dominic's story
Bonaventure's self-identification emphasizes integrity in leadership, showing how he set aside personal ambition for his calling. This demonstrates the human capacity to choose service over self-interest in positions of power.
In Today's Words:
I am Bonaventure from Bagnoregio, someone who always put aside personal ambition and selfish goals while carrying out my important responsibilities. That is how it feels when institutions treat your survival as someone else's paperwork problem. That is how it feels when institutions treat your survival as someone else's paperwork problem.
Thematic Threads
Leadership
In This Chapter
Bonaventure explains how true leaders like Francis and Dominic worked as complementary forces rather than competitors
Development
Builds on earlier themes of guidance and authority, now showing collaborative leadership model
In Your Life:
You might see this in effective partnerships where each person's strengths cover the other's weaknesses.
Corruption
In This Chapter
Dominican followers have abandoned their founder's spiritual path for personal gain and worldly concerns
Development
Continues the pattern of institutional decay seen throughout Paradise
In Your Life:
You might see this in any organization where the original helpers become more concerned with their position than their purpose.
Purpose
In This Chapter
Dominic sought only spiritual truth while others study law for worldly gain, showing the difference between mission-driven and self-serving motivation
Development
Reinforces the theme of authentic versus superficial motivation seen throughout the journey
In Your Life:
You might see this in your own career choices between what serves others and what serves only yourself.
Recognition
In This Chapter
Bonaventure insists that where one great leader is honored, another should be equally praised, showing the importance of acknowledging all contributors
Development
Introduced here as a principle of fairness and complete truth
In Your Life:
You might see this when credit is given to only one person in a team effort, leaving others feeling invisible.
Legacy
In This Chapter
The chapter contrasts the noble intentions of founders with the corrupt practices of their followers across generations
Development
Develops the theme of how actions ripple through time, now focusing on institutional inheritance
In Your Life:
You might see this in family businesses or traditions that lose their original meaning over time.
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
This is not a test. Five prompts guide you through the chapter, from how it opens to how it closes, so you notice context and rhythm rather than facts to memorize. Sit with each question in your own words. When you see "One way to read it," treat it as a starting point, not the only answer.
- 1
Why does Bonaventure feel compelled to praise Dominic after Thomas praised Francis, and what does this reveal about the relationship between the two orders?
analysis • mediumOne way to read it
Bonaventure establishes reciprocal honor because both saints fought similar battles for the Church. This shows the Franciscans and Dominicans saw themselves as complementary rather than competitive forces.
- 2
What is the significance of Dominic seeking 'real manna' rather than studying legal commentaries like Ostiense and Taddeo?
analysis • deepOne way to read it
This contrasts authentic spiritual nourishment with dry academic pursuits, suggesting that true religious learning feeds the soul rather than just the intellect.
- 3
How does Bonaventure's metaphor of Dominic as a 'torrent bursting from a lofty vein' illuminate his approach to combating heresy?
analysis • mediumOne way to read it
The torrent image suggests overwhelming force and natural power, indicating that Dominic's fight against heresy was both divinely inspired and devastatingly effective.
- 4
What does Bonaventure mean when he says the Dominican order's track 'is now deserted' and filled with 'mouldy mother'?
analysis • deepOne way to read it
He's describing institutional decay where the order has abandoned Dominic's original path and principles, leaving corruption where there was once spiritual vitality.
- 5
How might Bonaventure's critique of contemporary Dominican leadership apply to modern organizational challenges?
application • mediumOne way to read it
Organizations today similarly struggle to maintain founding principles across generations, often compromising original vision for expedient adaptations that ultimately weaken their mission.
Critical Thinking Exercise
Audit an Institution You Know
Choose an organization you're familiar with - your workplace, kids' school, local church, or community group. Research or recall its founding mission, then honestly assess how it operates today. Map where the energy and resources actually flow versus where the mission says they should go.
Consider:
- •Look at who gets promoted or rewarded - mission-focused people or politics players?
- •Follow the money - where do resources actually go versus stated priorities?
- •Notice the language - do leaders talk about the mission or about growth, efficiency, and metrics?
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you stayed in an organization that had drifted from its purpose. What kept you there, and what finally made you realize it wasn't serving its mission anymore?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 80: Divine Wisdom and Human Judgment
Dante is about to witness an even more spectacular celestial arrangement as twenty-four blessed souls position themselves like constellations in the heavens, preparing to demonstrate divine wisdom through their cosmic dance.
