God
Pico describes God as the highest form of authority and creator of all that is visible and invisible to humankind. God also created man and placed him between heaven and earth. He also bestowed upon him the special gift of free will. In his benevolence, God has allowed man to stand between angels and beasts and choose his fate. He has also provided earthly possession which mankind should use to further his knowledge and fulfill his every desire.
Man
According to Pico, man is an expression of God’s love and mercy. Man has been blessed with all the gifts of the universe and the opportunity to choose his future. Man is God’s most unique creation. According to Pico, mankind has remained one of God’s most beloved creations despite human failures. Bestowed with the gift of free will, man gets to choose his actions between good and evil. If he uses this gift to further his wisdom, then God will reward his actions but if he abuses his gift then he will descend to the realm of beasts.
Prophet Muhammad
Prophet Muhammad is believed to be the founder of the Islamic religion. Pico relates to his teachings of divine law and sin. Muhammad taught God’s law and warned of the dire consequences of disobeying these laws. According to Muhammad, any man that abuses God’s gifts turns himself into a beast.
Jacob from the Bible
Pico also refers to Jacob’s lesson of power and greed. Pico argues that power and greed corrupt man’s judgment. To receive heavenly gifts, man must cleanse himself of these corrupt actions and beg for God’s mercy.
