of themselves and their own interests (Brucker 16). In addition, Pitti adds that his own impression is that we have grown arrogant and careless (Pitti 74). Bruni believes that Florence greatly excels beyond all other cities in the dignity and nobility of its origin (32a). The government Bruni speaks of is a fair and impartial system that only increases the greatness of Florence.In conclusion, Bruni has full confidence that once this magnificent and splendid city is seen, it dispels all doubts about its greatness and converts former disbelievers to the truth (27a). There are obviously many reasons why Florence is a wonderful city, but according to Pitti and Dati there is nothing about the city as amazing as Bruni makes it out to be. Bruni never truly speaks of the combination of misfortunes--wars, internal upheavals, pestilence, famine--which seriously damaged the economy (Brucker 13). Pitti and Dati were not writing for the sole reason of praising Florence, but they also do not go out of their way to mention its many qualities. Unfortunately, Bruni never writes directly about money or business, whereas most of what Pitti and Dati write about are only those subjects. Overall, Bruni offers a much different perspective of Florence in his Panegyric to the City of Florence, than the views Pitti and Dati offer in their diaries....
