Snapshot · Dwarkesh Podcast
Giordano Bruno survived multiple Inquisition trials through patronage, but when he angered his patron, that patron turned him in — leaving him without protection and leading to his execution.
Where this was said
At 47:00 · chapter starts 36:13
Patronage was the fundamental glue of Renaissance society — from papal army command to hotel stays. When Paul III chose competence over family, Romans rioted demanding more nepotism. [1] — Ada Palmer "99 of 100 death sentences commuted: In Renaissance Florence, perhaps 99 of 100 capital convictions ended in a fine rather than execution, b…" 45:00
Death was the sentence on the books for almost everything. But in reality, your patron intervened, a word was put in, and you paid a fine. The one person who was actually executed was the one who had angered his patron. The entire justice system was a rehearsal for divine grace, with the patron standing in for the saint and the judge standing in for God.
In Renaissance Florence, perhaps 99 of 100 capital convictions ended in a fine rather than execution, because patronage networks intervened to win clemency for the accused.
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