Better to illuminate than merely to shine, to deliver to others contemplated truths than merely to contemplate. ~St. Thomas Aquinas
All the efforts of the human mind cannot exhaust the essence of a single fly. ~St. Thomas Aquinas
To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible. ~St. Thomas Aquinas
Man cannot live without joy; therefore when he is deprived of true spiritual joys it is necessary that he become addicted to carnal pleasures. ~St. Thomas Aquinas
There is but one Church in which men find salvation, just as outside the ark of Noah it was not possible for anyone to be saved. ~St. Thomas Aquinas
Sorrow can be alleviated by good sleep, a bath and a glass of wine. ~St. Thomas Aquinas
It is clear that he does not pray, who, far from uplifting himself to God, requires that God shall lower Himself to him, and who resorts to prayer not to stir the man in us to will what God wills, but only to persuade God to will what the man in us wills. ~St. Thomas Aquinas
There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship. ~St. Thomas Aquinas
The things that we love tell us what we are. ~St. Thomas Aquinas
Beware of the person of one book. ~St. Thomas Aquinas
Most men seem to live according to sense rather than reason. ~St. Thomas Aquinas
If the highest aim of a captain were to preserve his ship, he would keep it in port forever. ~St. Thomas Aquinas
That the saints may enjoy their beatitude and the grace of God more abundantly they are permitted to see the punishment of the damned in hell. ~St. Thomas Aquinas
Good can exist without evil, whereas evil cannot exist without good. ~St. Thomas Aquinas
How can we live in harmony? First we need to know we are all madly in love with the same God. ~St. Thomas Aquinas
To bear with patience wrongs done to oneself is a mark of perfection, but to bear with patience wrongs done to someone else is a mark of imperfection and even of actual sin. ~St. Thomas Aquinas
Love takes up where knowledge leaves off. ~St. Thomas Aquinas
If, then, you are looking for the way by which you should go, take Christ, because He Himself is the way. ~St. Thomas Aquinas
Well-ordered self-love is right and natural. ~St. Thomas Aquinas
Hold firmly that our faith is identical with that of the ancients. Deny this, and you dissolve the unity of the Church. ~St. Thomas Aquinas
Clearly the person who accepts the Church as an infallible guide will believe whatever the Church teaches. ~St. Thomas Aquinas
It is requisite for the relaxation of the mind that we make use, from time to time, of playful deeds and jokes. ~St. Thomas Aquinas
To convert somebody go and take them by the hand and guide them. ~St. Thomas Aquinas
The highest manifestation of life consists in this: that a being governs its own actions. A thing which is always subject to the direction of another is somewhat of a dead thing. ~St. Thomas Aquinas
Friendship is the source of the greatest pleasures, and without friends even the most agreeable pursuits become tedious. ~St. Thomas Aquinas
Every judgement of conscience, be it right or wrong, be it about things evil in themselves or morally indifferent, is obligatory, in such wise that he who acts against his conscience always sins. ~St. Thomas Aquinas
Faith has to do with things that are not seen and hope with things that are not at hand. ~St. Thomas Aquinas
Love must precede hatred, and nothing is hated save through being contrary to a suitable thing which is loved. And hence it is that every hatred is caused by love. ~St. Thomas Aquinas
Perfection of moral virtue does not wholly take away the passions, but regulates them. ~St. Thomas Aquinas
We can’t have full knowledge all at once. We must start by believing; then afterwards we may be led on to master the evidence for ourselves. ~St. Thomas Aquinas
Reason in man is rather like God in the world. ~St. Thomas Aquinas
Three conditions are necessary for Penance: contrition, which is sorrow for sin, together with a purpose of amendment; confession of sins without any omission; and satisfaction by means of good works. ~St. Thomas Aquinas
The truth of our faith becomes a matter of ridicule among the infidels if any Catholic, not gifted with the necessary scientific learning, presents as dogma what scientific scrutiny shows to be false. ~St. Thomas Aquinas
Three things are necessary for the salvation of man: to know what he ought to believe; to know what he ought to desire; and to know what he ought to do. ~St. Thomas Aquinas
Wonder is the desire for knowledge. ~St. Thomas Aquinas
St. Thomas Aquinas, a renowned philosopher and theologian of the 13th century, left a legacy of profound wisdom that continues to inspire and enlighten people to this day. In this article, we will explore some of his most thought-provoking quotes, each shedding light on different aspects of life, faith, and human nature.
Illuminating Others
“Better to illuminate than merely to shine, to deliver to others contemplated truths than merely to contemplate.” – St. Thomas Aquinas
St. Thomas reminds us that true wisdom lies not in simply showcasing our knowledge but in sharing it for the benefit of others. We can all shine brightly with our own insights, but it is in illuminating the path for others that we truly make a difference. In a world brimming with information, the act of guiding and enlightening others with our wisdom becomes an invaluable contribution to society.
The Limitless Essence
“All the efforts of the human mind cannot exhaust the essence of a single fly.” – St. Thomas Aquinas
In this intriguing quote, St. Thomas Aquinas emphasizes the boundless complexity of the universe. It serves as a humble reminder of the vastness of the natural world and the inherent limitations of human understanding. While we strive to comprehend the mysteries of existence, there will always be aspects that elude our grasp, encouraging us to approach life with a sense of wonder and humility.
The Power of Faith
“To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.” – St. Thomas Aquinas
Faith is a deeply personal and profound experience. St. Thomas’s words underscore the idea that faith transcends logical reasoning. It is an inner conviction that defies empirical evidence. For those who believe, the mere presence of faith is enough to validate their convictions. Conversely, for those without faith, no amount of evidence or explanation can sway them. It highlights the intimate connection between belief and personal conviction.
Joy and Carnal Pleasures
“Man cannot live without joy; therefore when he is deprived of true spiritual joys, it is necessary that he becomes addicted to carnal pleasures.” – St. Thomas Aquinas
St. Thomas Aquinas recognizes the human need for joy and fulfillment. When individuals lack genuine spiritual contentment and purpose, they may seek solace in worldly pleasures. This quote serves as a poignant reminder that a meaningful and joyful life is one that finds its source in the spiritual realm, emphasizing the importance of nurturing our inner selves.
The Singular Path to Salvation
“There is but one Church in which men find salvation, just as outside the ark of Noah, it was not possible for anyone to be saved.” – St. Thomas Aquinas
St. Thomas uses the analogy of Noah’s ark to emphasize the exclusivity of salvation. Just as in the biblical story, there is a singular path to salvation, according to St. Thomas – the Church. This quote underscores the significance of religious faith and adherence to a specific doctrine in his theological perspective, which has resonated with many throughout history.
Alleviating Sorrow
“Sorrow can be alleviated by good sleep, a bath, and a glass of wine.” – St. Thomas Aquinas
In this more light-hearted quote, St. Thomas recognizes the value of self-care in alleviating sorrow. He suggests that simple pleasures like rest, hygiene, and a glass of wine can have a soothing effect on the human spirit. It reminds us that sometimes, in the midst of our trials, a bit of self-indulgence can provide much-needed solace.
True Prayer
“It is clear that he does not pray, who, far from uplifting himself to God, requires that God shall lower Himself to him, and who resorts to prayer not to stir the man in us to will what God wills, but only to persuade God to will what the man in us wills.” – St. Thomas Aquinas
St. Thomas Aquinas offers a profound perspective on prayer. True prayer, he suggests, is not about convincing God to align with our desires but about aligning our own will with God’s divine purpose. It’s a call to seek spiritual transformation and a deeper connection with the divine, rather than a means of achieving personal ambitions.
The Priceless Treasure of Friendship
“There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship.” – St. Thomas Aquinas
Friendship, according to St. Thomas, is a treasure beyond measure. In a world often driven by material pursuits, he reminds us that genuine human connections are the most valuable assets we can possess. True friendship enriches our lives, offering support, companionship, and shared experiences that transcend the fleeting pleasures of material wealth.
The Reflection of Our Hearts
“The things that we love tell us what we are.” – St. Thomas Aquinas
St. Thomas Aquinas urges us to introspect and examine our affections. The objects, people, or pursuits we hold dear reflect the true nature of our hearts. Our loves and desires serve as mirrors, revealing our values, priorities, and character. It’s a profound invitation to self-awareness and self-reflection.
The Danger of Narrow-Mindedness
“Beware of the person of one book.” – St. Thomas Aquinas
St. Thomas cautions against intellectual narrow-mindedness. Those who limit themselves to the knowledge contained within a single book or source risk missing out on the vastness of human wisdom and perspective. It encourages us to explore a diverse range of ideas and perspectives, enriching our understanding of the world.
Sense vs. Reason
“Most men seem to live according to sense rather than reason.” – St. Thomas Aquinas
St. Thomas observes a common human tendency to prioritize sensory experiences over reasoned judgment. This quote highlights the importance of cultivating rational thinking and decision-making in our lives. It serves as a reminder to strike a balance between our instinctual reactions and thoughtful contemplation.
The Courage to Set Sail
“If the highest aim of a captain were to preserve his ship, he would keep it in port forever.” – St. Thomas Aquinas
St. Thomas employs a nautical metaphor to underscore the idea that progress and growth often require taking risks. Just as a ship must leave the safety of the harbor to embark on a journey, individuals must venture beyond their comfort zones to achieve their highest aspirations. This quote encourages us to have the courage to set sail in pursuit of our dreams.
Contemplating the Nature of Salvation
“That the saints may enjoy their beatitude and the grace of God more abundantly they are permitted to see the punishment of the damned in hell.” – St. Thomas Aquinas
St. Thomas Aquinas delves into the complex theological concept of salvation and the grace of God. He suggests that the saints, those deemed to be in a state of eternal bliss, are granted the ability to witness the punishment of the damned in hell. This thought-provoking statement raises questions about the nature of divine justice and the mysteries of the afterlife.
The Interdependence of Good and Evil
“Good can exist without evil, whereas evil cannot exist without good.” – St. Thomas Aquinas
St. Thomas Aquinas offers a unique perspective on the interplay between good and evil. He suggests that goodness can exist independently, while evil is inherently reliant on the existence of good. This quote invites us to contemplate the complex relationship between morality and the human experience.
Harmony through Love
“How can we live in harmony? First, we need to know we are all madly in love with the same God.” – St. Thomas Aquinas
St. Thomas’s final quote emphasizes the unifying power of love. By recognizing that our shared love for the divine connects us all, he suggests that we can find harmony and unity in our diverse beliefs and perspectives. It’s a message of tolerance and compassion, promoting understanding and cooperation among all individuals, regardless of their faith.
In conclusion, the quotes of St. Thomas Aquinas offer profound insights into various aspects of life, faith, and human nature. They encourage us to contemplate the deeper meaning of our existence, the importance of faith and spirituality, the value of friendship, and the need for self-reflection and open-mindedness. St. Thomas’s wisdom continues to shine brightly, illuminating the path of understanding for generations to come.