The study of the Defensor Pacis can, then, enlighten us on sources and leading characteristics of modern life and political thought. Yet at first scrutiny the book is not very impressive. It begins with imprecations against medieval papalism, but at once subsides into what seems like an equable commentary on Aristotle's Politics. Then, having developed a conception of what is apparently intended to be an ideal state, it accuses the papacy of being the cause which hinders the ideal from being realized, and launches into a prolonged discussion of ecclesiastic politics with frequent references to the New Testament, concluding as it began, with imprecations.