For Boethius, philosophy became a source of comfort. In difficult circumstances, we may set our minds free by focusing on a specific agenda. After having uncovered the infrastructure of John Duns Scotus' theology (Johannes Duns Scotus, 1994), I returned to the sphere of philosophy to concentrate on the massive issue of Duns Scotus' own philosophy. I underestimated somewhat the enormity of the task to clean up the research regarding John Duns Scotus' life, works, and philosophical thought. However, my obsession was made lighter and livelier by Marriëtte, Toon, and Elisabeth, my home front and a haven of relief and joy, always fond of keen exchanges of thought to soothe the practical pressures of writing a large book.

I have continually been supported by the wonderful presence of the Research Group John Duns Scotus which gathers regularly in Dordrecht. John Duns' philosophy is a philosophy of individual dignity and goodness, love and friendship. I am grateful for and proud of this unique band of inspirational scholars (Henri Veldhuis, Eef Dekker, Nico den Bok, Klaas Bom, Andreas Beck, Martijn Bac), still going strong in their contributions to Scotist scholarship. Likewise, I enjoy the link between past and present in the Utrecht days of studying and promoting theology (Nico den Bok, Guus Labooy, Arjan Plaisier). We are rediscovering the past in order to infuse present debates with the riches of the classic heritage of Western thought of the past millennium. I am grateful for and proud of such excellent young scholars who started out as students but became my pupils and then my friends who helped prevent me from making mistakes.