1001Philosophers

Marguerite Porete c. 1250 – 1310

Marguerite Porete (c. 1250 – 1310) was a French philosopher of the Medieval era, associated with Medieval Philosophy and Christian Philosophy.

Marguerite Porete was a French Christian mystic, beguine, and the author of the Mirror of Simple Souls, one of the most daring works of medieval mystical theology. The book, written in Old French, traces the soul's progressive annihilation in the love of God until it reaches a state of unmediated union in which the will ceases to be its own. Condemned at Valenciennes and again at Paris, where she refused to retract or to answer the inquisitors, she was burned at the stake in the Place de Greve in 1310. Her book circulated anonymously for centuries and was decisively re-attributed to her only in the twentieth century.

Key facts

Nationality
French
Era
Medieval
Movements
Medieval Philosophy, Christian Philosophy

Selected quotes

  • Attributed to Marguerite Porete:

    “The soul that is annihilated has no will of her own.”

  • Attributed to Marguerite Porete:

    “Love alone teaches the simple soul what is to be done.”

  • Attributed to Marguerite Porete:

    “A simple soul has no longer any why.”

  • Attributed to Marguerite Porete:

    “Such a soul neither desires nor refuses anything; for she is at peace.”

  • Attributed to Marguerite Porete:

    “I am loved by Love and so I love.”

Marguerite Porete by topic

Frequently asked about Marguerite Porete

When did Marguerite Porete live?
Marguerite Porete was born in c. 1250 and died in 1310.
Where was Marguerite Porete from?
Marguerite Porete was a French philosopher of the Medieval era.
What philosophical movements is Marguerite Porete associated with?
Marguerite Porete was associated with Medieval Philosophy and Christian Philosophy.
What was Marguerite Porete known for?
Marguerite Porete was a French Christian mystic, beguine, and the author of the Mirror of Simple Souls, one of the most daring works of medieval mystical theology.
How many quotes are attributed to Marguerite Porete?
There are 5 attributed quotations from Marguerite Porete in the 1001Philosophers collection, organized by topic.