As an intellectualist he had much to do with the subsequent abandonment of Plato in favour of Aristotle that was a mark of pure scholasticism, while the brilliancy of his dialectical method became a model for future generations.

Afer the Calamity he turned from philosophy to theology and ethics and here he reveals qualities of nobility not evident before.

Particularly does he insist upon the fact that it is the subjective intention that determines the moral value of human actions even if it does not change their essential character.
The story of this philosophical soldier of fortune is a romance from beginning to end, a poignant human drama shot through with passion, adventure, pathos and tragedy.

In a sense it is an epitome of the earlier Middle Ages and through it shines the bright light of an era of fervid living, of exciting adventure, of phenomenal intellectual force and of large and comprehensive liberty.

As a single episode of passion it is not particularly distinguished except for the appealing personality of Heloise; as a phase in the development of Christian philosophy it is of only secondary value.
United in one, the two factors achieve a brilliant dramatic unity that has made the story of Abelard and Heloise immortal.
HISTORIA CALAMITATUM FOREWORD Often the hearts of men and women are stirred, as likewise they are soothed in their sorrows, more by example than by words.