Thomas Aquinas, a Dominican friar and theologian of the 13th century, remains one of the most influential figures in Western philosophy and theology. His synthesis of Christian doctrine with Aristotelian philosophy has had a profound impact on both the Catholic Church and secular thought. Aquinas’s works, particularly his Summa Theologica, continue to be studied for their deep insights into theology, ethics, and metaphysics. This article explores 30 of his most famous quotes, providing context and analysis to understand their significance and relevance.
1. “To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.”
This quote highlights Aquinas’s belief in the limits of human reason in matters of faith. For those who have faith, the truths of religion are self-evident, while for those who lack faith, they may seem incomprehensible.
2. “The things that we love tell us what we are.”
Aquinas underscores the importance of our affections and desires in defining our character. What we love reveals our inner nature and moral orientation.
3. “Nothing is more dangerous than a false hope.”
False hope can lead to greater despair and disillusionment than no hope at all. Aquinas warns against placing trust in illusions or unattainable goals.
4. “Theology is the queen of the sciences.”
Aquinas elevates theology above other fields of study, arguing that it provides the ultimate understanding of reality, as it deals with divine truths and the ultimate purpose of human existence.
5. “An unjust law is no law at all.”
This quote reflects Aquinas’s belief in the natural law theory, which holds that laws must be based on moral principles and the common good. Unjust laws, therefore, lack legitimate authority.
6. “The human being is not only a body, but also a soul, and the soul is the form of the body.”
Aquinas’s philosophy integrates the Aristotelian concept of form and matter with Christian doctrine. He posits that the soul gives life and purpose to the body, making the human being a unified whole.
7. “It is better to illuminate than merely to shine.”
Aquinas emphasizes the value of contributing to others’ understanding and enlightenment rather than simply seeking personal recognition or praise.
8. “Faith has to do with things that are not seen and hope with things that are not at hand.”
This quote differentiates faith and hope, with faith relating to the unseen truths of divine revelation and hope concerning future goods that are not yet realized.
9. “The will is to be obeyed in the same way as it is guided by reason.”
Aquinas believes that the will, while central to human action, must be guided by reason to ensure that it aligns with moral and rational principles.
10. “The chief act of the will is to love.”
Love is central to Aquinas’s ethical theory. He views it as the fundamental act of the will, driving human actions and moral decisions.
11. “Man’s happiness is to be found in God.”
Aquinas argues that true happiness is found in the ultimate union with God, the ultimate good and fulfillment of human desires.
12. “All that is true, by whomsoever it has been said, has its origin in the Spirit.”
Aquinas acknowledges that truth is universal and transcends individual sources. All genuine truth, regardless of its origin, comes from the divine Spirit.
13. “The sacraments are signs that bring about what they signify.”
In his sacramental theology, Aquinas explains that sacraments are not mere symbols but actual means of grace, bringing about the spiritual realities they represent.
14. “Justice is a certain rectitude of the will whereby a man gives each one his due.”
Aquinas defines justice as a virtue that involves giving each person their rightful due, reflecting fairness and moral order in human interactions.
15. “To be a saint is to be at home with God.”
Saintliness, according to Aquinas, involves being in a state of grace and closeness to God, achieving the ultimate goal of human life.
16. “God is eternal, which means that He is not subject to the passage of time.”
Aquinas’s concept of God includes divine eternity, meaning that God exists outside the constraints of temporal succession and is ever-present.
17. “There is no true knowledge without first knowing what is false.”
Aquinas recognizes that understanding what is false helps clarify and solidify what is true, as the recognition of error can sharpen one’s grasp of truth.
18. “Aquinas believed that the ultimate purpose of human life is to achieve union with God.”
Central to Aquinas’s thought is the idea that the ultimate goal of human existence is to attain a final, eternal union with God, which provides complete fulfillment and happiness.
19. “The goodness of a thing is determined by its purpose or end.”
Aquinas’s teleological perspective asserts that the goodness of something is defined by how well it fulfills its intended purpose or end.
20. “The more a thing is perfect, the more it is in act.”
Aquinas argues that perfection is associated with actualization. The more a thing achieves its potential and purpose, the more it embodies its essence.
21. “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”
This quote reflects Aquinas’s belief in the principle of holistic unity, where the collective nature of a thing has an inherent value that exceeds its individual components.
22. “The law is a rule and measure of acts whereby man is induced to act or is restrained from acting.”
Aquinas’s definition of law involves its role as a guiding principle that influences human behavior, encouraging moral actions and discouraging immoral ones.
23. “The greatest of all the virtues is charity, or love of God and neighbor.”
For Aquinas, charity is the highest virtue, encompassing love for God and love for others. It is the foundation of all other virtues and the ultimate expression of moral goodness.
24. “Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength.”
Aquinas points out that true strength is not about force but about the capacity for gentle, compassionate action, which ultimately has greater power.
25. “It is not possible for a man to make himself entirely perfect, but he can achieve perfection to the extent that he is willing.”
Aquinas acknowledges human limitations but also emphasizes that one can achieve moral and spiritual perfection to the extent that one is committed to striving for it.
26. “The good is what all things seek.”
Aquinas’s view of the good is central to his philosophy. He believes that everything in nature aims towards some form of good, whether it is a physical object or a moral action.
27. “A man’s happiness depends on his own virtue and not on the external circumstances.”
Aquinas emphasizes the internal nature of true happiness, which comes from one’s own virtues and moral character rather than external conditions or material possessions.
28. “Reason and faith are not opposed to each other, but complement one another.”
Aquinas’s synthesis of reason and faith shows that rational inquiry and religious belief can coexist and support each other, providing a fuller understanding of truth.
29. “We must not only know what we are to do, but also what we are to avoid.”
Aquinas stresses the importance of both pursuing good actions and avoiding evil ones, recognizing that ethical behavior involves awareness of both aspects.
30. “The perfection of the universe lies in its totality and not in any individual part.”
Aquinas views the universe as a coherent whole, where the perfection of each part contributes to the overall perfection of the entire cosmos.
Thomas Aquinas’s quotes provide a deep insight into his theological and philosophical thought. His reflections on faith, reason, morality, and the divine continue to influence and challenge contemporary discussions in philosophy and theology. By examining these quotes, we gain a greater appreciation for Aquinas’s enduring legacy and the complexities of his intellectual contributions.