St. Thomas Aquinas is one of the most influential theologians and philosophers of the Catholic Church. His writings on natural law, human rights, and the nature of God have shaped the religious thought of both Catholics and non-Catholics alike. He is also known for his brilliant use of quotes to illustrate his points. His quotes are often filled with wit and wisdom, providing insight into the timeless truths that he so passionately championed throughout his life. Here are some of his most memorable quotes that will inspire readers to think deeply about life, faith, and purpose.”God is the cause not only of existence but also of being itself. He is the highest and most perfect being, beyond whom nothing can be thought or imagined.” – St. Thomas Aquinas
Quotes from St. Thomas Aquinas on Faith
St. Thomas Aquinas is one of the most influential theologians in the history of Christianity, and his writings on faith are considered a cornerstone of Catholic teaching. His work is often referred to as the Summa Theologica, and it provides an important framework for understanding Christian faith. Here are some of his most important quotes on faith:
“We can never have full knowledge of God unless we accept revealed truth.”
This quote speaks to the importance of accepting divine revelation as part of our understanding of God. It is not enough simply to use logic and reason to try and comprehend God, but we must also be open to what has been revealed by God.
“Faith is believing in what we do not see, and the reward for this faith is to see what we believe.”
This quote speaks to the power of faith in helping us to understand things that may not be immediately obvious or tangible. Faith gives us the courage and strength to believe in something even when there is no physical evidence or proof.
“Faith enables us to understand those truths which reason can neither prove nor comprehend.”
This quote emphasizes that faith goes beyond reason, allowing us to gain knowledge that cannot be obtained through logical thought alone. Faith allows us to explore truths that may not be immediately accessible through rational means.
“The greatest truth which faith teaches us is that there exists in God an infinite perfection.”
This quote highlights the importance of recognizing God’s infinite perfection as part of our understanding of faith. To truly understand our relationship with God, we must recognize his perfect nature and strive for holiness ourselves.
Quotes from St. Thomas Aquinas on Reason
St. Thomas Aquinas, the 13th century philosopher and theologian, was one of the most influential thinkers of his time. He is particularly well known for his views on reason and its importance in understanding the world around us. Here are some of his most famous quotes on reason:
“The truth is seen more clearly through reason than through sense.”
This quote emphasizes the importance of reason as a means to understand and interpret reality. By relying on our senses, we can only observe the external world; however, by using our rational faculties, we can gain a deeper understanding of it.
“Reason is to faith as light is to darkness.”
This quote highlights the role of reason in leading us to faith. While faith is necessary for us to become closer to God, it must be grounded in reason in order for it to be meaningful. Reason helps us discern between truth and falsehood and allows us to make informed decisions about our beliefs.
“Reason should lead us to God, not away from Him.”
For Aquinas, faith and reason were not at odds but rather complementary forces that should work together in pursuit of truth. He believed that by using our rational faculties properly, we can come closer to God rather than further away from Him. This was an important part of his overall philosophy which sought to find harmony between faith and reason.
Quotes from St. Thomas Aquinas on the Universe
St. Thomas Aquinas, a 13th century Italian theologian and philosopher, is known for his significant contributions to the Catholic Church as well as to the field of philosophy and science. His writings on the universe are particularly noteworthy, providing insight into his understanding of its origin and nature. Here are some of St. Thomas Aquinas’ most meaningful quotes on the universe:
“The universe is like a book written by the hand of God.”
In this quote, St. Thomas Aquinas emphasizes that the universe was created by God and that it serves as a testament to His power and glory. He believed that by studying the universe, one could gain an understanding of God’s divine plan.
“The world is sustained by divine providence.”
In this quote, St. Thomas Aquinas suggests that God sustains and governs the world through His divine power. He believed that all things in creation had their origin in God and were subject to His will.
“The beauty of nature reflects God’s handiwork.”
In this quote, St. Thomas Aquinas emphasizes that nature is a reflection of God’s beauty and creativity. He believed that by looking at nature, one could gain insight into how God created the world and all its wonders.
St. Thomas Aquinas on Human Nature
St. Thomas Aquinas was one of the most influential theologians in the Catholic Church and his views on human nature remain highly relevant today. Aquinas believed that humans are made in the image of God and endowed with a special dignity that sets them apart from other creatures. Consequently, our actions as human beings should be guided by respect for ourselves and others. According to Aquinas, human nature is composed of two essential elements: reason and free will. Reason allows us to understand life’s complexities and make decisions based on our best judgment, while free will enables us to choose how we act. He argued that both of these components are necessary for a meaningful life and must be carefully balanced in order to achieve true happiness.
Aquinas also argued that human nature is inherently social and that humans have an obligation to care for one another out of love and charity. He asserted that individuals should strive to live up to their full potential as members of society, taking part in activities such as helping those in need or contributing to the common good. In addition, Aquinas held that humans possess an innate sense of morality, which can be used to determine right from wrong in any given situation. This moral compass can help guide us towards making ethical decisions that reflect our values and beliefs.
Ultimately, St. Thomas Aquinas’ views on human nature offer valuable insight into how we can live meaningful lives full of compassion and dignity. By recognizing our unique capabilities as individuals endowed with reason and free will, we can learn how best to use these gifts for the benefit of ourselves and others around us.
Quotes from St. Thomas Aquinas on Love
St. Thomas Aquinas was one of the most influential theologians and philosophers of the medieval period and his views on love are still relevant today. He believed that love was an essential part of life, and that it was an integral part of our relationship with God. Here are some of his most memorable quotes on love:
“Love takes up where knowledge leaves off.” This quote speaks to the idea that knowledge can only take us so far in life, but love is an emotion that goes beyond mere understanding or logic. It’s something that has to be experienced in order to be fully understood.
“Where charity and love are, there God is also.” This quote speaks to the idea that God is present when we show love and charity towards others. Love is a powerful emotion that transcends all boundaries and has the power to bring people together in unity under God’s grace.
“God is not loved because He is seen; but rather, He is seen because He is loved.” This quote speaks to the idea that we don’t need physical proof of God’s existence in order to experience His presence in our lives; rather, it is through our loving devotion towards Him that we come to truly understand Him.
“Love unto utility.” This quote speaks to the idea that real love should be expressed through action, not just words or thoughts alone. True love means being willing to serve another person without expecting anything in return, as this demonstrates a genuine commitment towards them as well as a demonstration of faith in God’s grace.
St. Thomas Aquinas believed strongly in the power of love, both between us humans and with our relationship with God. These quotes remind us of how much impact our acts of kindness can have when they come from a place of true devotion and unconditional love.
Quotes from St. Thomas Aquinas on Free Will
St. Thomas Aquinas was one of the most influential theologians and philosophers of the Middle Ages. He wrote extensively on a variety of topics, including free will and predestination. His thoughts on free will remain relevant and provide valuable insight into our understanding of the subject today. Here are some of St. Thomas Aquinas’s quotes on free will:
“An act is good if it proceeds from a good will; and this is only in the power of the rational creature.”
In this quote, St. Thomas Aquinas emphasizes that it is only in the power of humans to choose to do good or bad acts, rather than having those decisions predetermined for us. He stresses that free will is an essential part of being human and allows us to make moral choices based on our knowledge and intentions.
“The will moves itself to act or not to act according as it apprehends one thing or another as being desirable or undesirable.”
This quote highlights that our decisions are based upon our own desires, rather than an outside force determining what we should do. It emphasizes how important it is for us to be aware of what we truly yearn for so that we can make informed decisions about how to live our lives in accordance with our own wishes and beliefs.
“The inclination which is in things according to their nature is not contrary to their liberty; but rather it perfects their liberty.”
This quote speaks to how we should use our free will in order to live up to our potential and be true to ourselves, while still recognizing that there are certain inclinations inherent in humans which can help guide us towards making wise choices. By recognizing these natural tendencies within ourselves, we can have a more holistic view when it comes to making decisions about how we want to live our lives.
Quotes from St. Thomas Aquinas on Virtue
St. Thomas Aquinas was one of the most influential theologians of the Middle Ages, and his writings on virtue are still highly regarded today. His concept of virtue is centered around the idea that every individual should strive to live in a way that is pleasing to God, and his quotes on virtue emphasize this ideal. Here are some of St. Thomas Aquinas’ most famous quotes on virtue:
“The things that we love tell us what we are.” This quote emphasizes that our choices in life reflect our true character and values. By living in accordance with virtues, we can show others what matters to us most.
“Habits make us what we are.” This quote stresses the importance of forming good habits, as our habits shape our behavior and eventually become part of who we are. Therefore, it is essential to cultivate habits that will lead us closer to God’s will for our lives.
“Virtue is its own reward.” This quote reminds us that living in accordance with God’s will should be its own reward, rather than being motivated by external rewards or recognition from others. Doing good simply for the sake of doing good is a sign of true virtue.
“Virtue is nothing else than doing good.” This quote emphasizes the importance of taking action in order to live virtuously rather than simply thinking about it or talking about it without taking action. Doing good deeds for others and living according to God’s will should be at the center of our lives if we wish to live virtuously.
St. Thomas Aquinas’ quotes on virtue provide timeless advice about how we should strive to live our lives in order to please God and be virtuous individuals. By following these wise words, we can ensure that we are living a life that reflects our values and those of God as well.
Conclusion
St. Thomas Aquinas was a theologian and philosopher who lived in the 13th century. His writings are still studied and discussed today, and many of his quotes have become famous. His quotes on faith, love, justice, knowledge, wisdom, sin, and humility provide insight into his thoughts on the human condition. He believed that our actions were integral to our spiritual growth and development. His quotes remind us to be humble in our dealings with others and to strive for justice in all things. His words of wisdom offer hope that we can create a just society through understanding and compassion for one another. St. Thomas Aquinas’s quotes continue to inspire many people today and will likely continue to do so for generations to come.
No matter what one’s particular faith is or what their beliefs may be, St. Thomas Aquinas’s words offer important insights into how we can live lives of integrity and kindness towards each other. His words can help us remember that we all have something valuable to contribute to society if we open our minds and hearts to the possibilities available through understanding and love for our fellow human beings.