Visio et amor Dei : Nicholas of Cusa (d. 1464) and John of the Cross (1542-1591)

In the light of Nicholas of Cusa s idea that the diverse finite modes of understanding God are founded in the Absolute itself, and thus constitute modes by which the Absolute sees itself, the author interprets the distinction between the beginners , the advanced and the perfect as diverse modes of understanding oneself, God and the world, thus confirming that John of the Cross has a clear awareness of the mediating and constitutive function which the subject has with respect to reality.