Bernard of Clairvaux
1090–1153
“Love of God in four ascending degrees; mysticism of the will.”
The four dimensions in the 16-axis model where this thinker scores highest. People in this archetype tend to lean the same way.
- RTReverence for Tradition8 / 10
- MRMystical Receptivity8 / 10
- TVTragic Vision7 / 10
- ATAscetic Tendency7 / 10
The six thinkers whose 16-dimensional positions sit closest to this one. Useful as next-reading suggestions.
- BonaventureTHRESHOLD
The Itinerarium charts the soul's journey through nature into God's depths.
- Junayd of BaghdadTHRESHOLD
A sober Sufi who returns to the world after fana, carrying knowledge of unity.
- Hadewijch of AntwerpTHRESHOLD
A Beguine mystic for whom the storm of love (minne) is God's own life.
- Pseudo-DionysiusTHRESHOLD
Apophatic theology: saying only what God is not, the one honest path.
- Mechthild of MagdeburgTHRESHOLD
Flowing Light of the Godhead — bridal mysticism in vernacular German.
- A.K. CoomaraswamyTHRESHOLD
His traditionalism makes sacred art the vehicle of metaphysical knowledge.
Short exercises in the same tradition as Bernard of Clairvaux's thought. Each takes 5–25 minutes.
Three doors lead onward.
- 01 · QUIZThe InheritorFind your archetype — discover whether you'd argue with Bernard of Clairvaux or alongside them.CONTINUE ▶
- 02 · COMPAREBernard of Clairvaux vs BonaventureOn Mull's map Bonaventure sits closest. See where they agree and where they part.CONTINUE ▶
- 03 · DAILYToday's SparOne philosopher, one topic, five minutes. A new one drops every day.CONTINUE ▶