"The things that we love tell us what we are."
Philosopher, Theologian
Thomas Aquinas was a 13th-century philosopher and theologian known for his influential works, particularly 'Summa Theologica', which integrated faith and reason.
About Thomas Aquinas
Thomas Aquinas, a Dominican friar and theologian of the 13th century, is renowned for his synthesis of Aristotelian philosophy with Christian doctrine. His seminal work, 'Summa Theologica', addresses fundamental questions of existence, morality, and the nature of God, establishing a framework that has shaped Western thought. Aquinas's philosophy is characterized by his belief in the harmony of faith and reason. He famously stated, 'To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.' This quote encapsulates his view that faith provides a deeper understanding of truth that transcends mere rationality. He challenged the prevailing notions of his time by arguing that human reason could lead to knowledge of God, thus bridging the gap between philosophy and theology. Aquinas's insights continue to resonate today, influencing contemporary discussions on ethics, metaphysics, and the relationship between science and religion, making his quotes a vital part of philosophical discourse.
Quote collection
335 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"The things that we love tell us what we are."
"To pretend angels do not exist because they are invisible is to believe we never sleep because we don't see ourselves sleeping."
"He who is not angry when there is just cause for anger is immoral. Why? Because anger looks to the good of justice. And if you can live amid injustice without anger, you are immoral as well as unjust."
"The greatest kindness one can render to any man consists in leading him from error to truth."
"We must love them both, those whose opinions we share and those whose opinions we reject, for both have labored in the search for truth, and both have helped us in finding it."
"Man cannot live without joy; therefore when he is deprived of true spiritual joys it is necessary that he become addicted to carnal pleasures."
"For those with faith, no evidence is necessary; for those without it, no evidence will suffice."
"If you can live amid injustice without anger, you are immoral as well as unjust."
"To love is to will the good of the other."
"Nothing created has ever been able to fill the heart of man. God alone can fill it infinitely."
"How can we live in harmony? First we need to know we are all madly in love with the same God."
"Sorrow can be alleviated by good sleep, a bath and a glass of wine."
"Grant me, O Lord my God, a mind to know you, a heart to seek you, wisdom to find you, conduct pleasing to you, faithful perseverance in waiting for you, and a hope of finally embracing you. Amen."
"Suppose a person entering a house were to feel heat on the porch, and going further, were to feel the heat increasing, the more they penetrated within. Doubtless, such a person would believe there was a fire in the house, even though they did not see the fire that must be causing all this heat. A similar thing will happen to anyone who considers this world in detail: one will observe that all things are arranged according to their degrees of beauty and excellence, and that the nearer they are to God, the more beautiful and better they are."
"He (Mohammed) seduced the people by promises of carnal pleasure to which the concupiscence of the flesh urges us. His teaching also contained precepts that were in conformity with his promises, and he gave free rein to carnal pleasure. In all this, as is not unexpected; he was obeyed by carnal men. As for proofs of the truth of his doctrine, he brought forward only such as could be grasped by the natural ability of anyone with a very modest wisdom. Indeed, the truths that he taught he mingled with many fables and with doctrines of the greatest falsity."
"If, then, you are looking for the way by which you should go, take Christ, because He Himself is the way."
"Give us, O Lord, a steadfast heart, which no unworthy affection may drag downwards; give us an unconquered heart, which no tribulation can wear out; give us an upright heart, which no unworthy purpose may tempt aside. Bestow upon us also, O Lord our God, understanding to know you, diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you, and a faithfulness that may finally embrace you; through Jesus Christ our Lord."
"To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible."
"In the life of the body a man is sometimes sick, and unless he takes medicine, he will die. Even so in the spiritual life a man is sick on account of sin. For that reason he needs medicine so that he may be restored to health; and this grace is bestowed in the Sacrament of Penance."
"If the highest aim of a captain were to preserve his ship, he would keep it in port forever."