How Did Abelard Change His Life

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The life of Peter Abelard was fraught with hardships and complications, and coupled with personal tragedy, changed the course of his life. Writing to a friend, he wrote an account of his life, which served as a model for scholasticism and religious influence of the twelfth century. Fulfilling the academic reputation for arrogance, Abelard had a habit of making enemies. His life as a scholar, a lover, and a monk culminated in a very interesting life course, which was affected by the misfortunes that occurred at a multitude of times. Writing to unmask his enemies and seeking validation for the events that shaped his life changes, Abelard provided an account of his life that provided insight into the academic life of the high Middle Ages. …show more content…
Scholastically, he faces adversities that only serve to make him stronger intellectually and increase his academic renown. He frequently challenged his professors to debate. When studying under William of Champeaux, Abelard was frequently arguing in lecture until eventually stealing his pupils and starting his own school. William continued to antagonize Abelard thereafter, questioning his teaching ability and his talents in philosophy. Abelard eventually caused William to change his mind about the concept of universals, which caused him to depose Abelard as master of the school he had started (Abelard 18). Anselm of Laon, who was a good lecturer but was terrible at answering questions or inciting debate, also taught Abelard. Unimpressed with Anselm on the whole, Abelard began to lecture on his own about the Bible, for which he gained a following within the school. Anselm forbade him to continue to lecture at his school, and perceiving this as a persecution, Abelard left to form his own school of theology, taking Anselm’s students with him (Abelard
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