De vita solitaria

[1][2] Solitude is necessary for a life of contemplation, for both saints (such as Augustine or Pope Celestine V) and philosophers.

[2][3] Petrarch merged the medieval interest in spiritual meditation with Cicero's idea of philosophical otium.

He says that he dislikes the adversities that happen in crowds and a populous environment, while solitude promotes happy leisure and more favorable results with peace and tranquility.

He thinks how he may be able to drive a corrupt bargain with ill-gotten profit gains or betraying his friends or his seductions for his neighbor's wife to tempt her away from her loyalty.

He praises God for the gifts he has received, which can not be matched by the luxury items of the busy man.

He has a happy heart and peace of mind with good intentions for his upcoming daily activities.

The retiree takes on a serene day of leisure and calm, while the businessman is dreaded with complaints and problems.

[10] In the first chapter, Petrarch states that philosophers, holy men and poets always sought for themselves solitude for contemplation.

[12] There are over 120 manuscript copies that still exist of De vita solitaria, which demonstrates its popularity through the centuries.