Can Renaissance Nuns Offer Modern Life Advice?

In a world grappling with anxiety, financial pressures and complex relationships, an unexpected source of wisdom is gaining attention: the writings of 16th and 17th-century Spanish nuns. Academics Ana Garriga and Carmen Urbita, through their research and modern book, Convent Wisdom, argue that these often-overlooked women offer surprisingly relevant insights for navigating contemporary challenges.

From Podcast to Publication

The project began in 2020 with a podcast exploring the lives and writings of these nuns. Garriga and Urbita, who met while studying at Brown University in 2016, initially found themselves drawn to the lives of these women while pursuing doctorates in Hispanic history. They observed parallels between the rigorous demands of academic life and the cloistered existence of the nuns, noting that both involved intense study, limited resources, and a degree of social isolation (La Presse). This shared experience sparked their curiosity about the wisdom contained within the nuns’ writings.

Unexpectedly Modern Counsel

The nuns’ writings reveal a pragmatic approach to life that resonates today. For example, Saint Teresa of Ávila, a 16th-century mystic and reformer, demonstrated shrewd financial acumen, capable of negotiating loans and managing convent finances (Ouest-France). Sister Juana Inés de la Cruz, a 17th-century poet and intellectual, possessed exceptional rhetorical skills, offering lessons in effective communication that remain valuable in today’s digital age (La Presse).

Navigating Relationships and Conflict

The nuns also offer guidance on interpersonal relationships. The authors highlight how Saint Juana Inés de la Cruz fearlessly addressed her confessors, even those in positions of authority, providing a model for assertive communication. One letter, described as a masterclass in email etiquette, demonstrates how to advocate for oneself without resorting to aggression (Ouest-France). Another nun, Jeanne des Anges, demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity, potentially turning accusations of demonic possession to her advantage by reframing the narrative (Ouest-France).

A Timeless Perspective

Garriga and Urbita believe that the nuns’ experiences offer a unique perspective on modern problems. They point to the nuns’ rejection of societal pressures and their focus on inner fulfillment as particularly relevant in today’s world (La Presse). The authors hope their work will inspire readers to draw strength and wisdom from these remarkable women, offering a “genealogy of women who can enlighten your life” (Ouest-France).