Saint Anselm of Canterbury was a Benedictine abbot, philosopher, and theologian. He is renowned for formulating the ontological argument for the existence of God and for developing the satisfaction theory of atonement. Born into an Italian noble family, he is also referred to as Anselm of Aosta, after his birthplace in Aosta, and Anselm of Bec, after the abbey in the Bec Valley where he served. Although his father wished for him to pursue a political career, Anselm was never inclined toward such a path. Instead, at the age of 23, he left home to study under Lanfranc of Pavia at Bec. He eventually joined the abbey as a novice at the age of 27. By the age of 30, he became the abbey’s prior, and at 45, he was appointed its abbot. Later, Anselm became the Archbishop of Canterbury, a role in which he faced significant hostility and challenges. Despite these difficulties, he remained steadfast in his principles. A prolific scholar, Anselm authored numerous influential works and was canonized as a saint after his death.