He lived to be upwards of eighty-five, and died in 1446.

These facts sufficiently indicate what sort of man was the supposed author of the "Essay on the Family," proving, as they do, that he passed his leisure among princes and scholars, and that he played some part in the public affairs of the State of Florence.

Yet his view of human life is wholly _bourgeois_, though by no means ignoble.

In his conception, the first of all virtues is thrift, which should regulate the use not only of money, but of all the gifts of nature and of fortune.

The proper economy of the mind involves liberal studies, courteous manners, honest conduct, and religion.[2] The right use of the body implies keeping it in good health by continence, exercise and diet.[3] The thrift of time consists in being never idle.