Saint Thomas Aquinas Quotes: Wisdom on Faith, Reason & More

Saint Thomas Aquinas, a towering figure in medieval philosophy and theology, continues to influence thinkers and believers centuries after his death. His synthesis of Aristotelian philosophy with Christian doctrine provides a framework for understanding the relationship between faith and reason, the nature of God, and the principles of morality. These Aquinas quotes offer glimpses into his profound insights, providing guidance and inspiration for navigating the complexities of life. This collection explores some of his most impactful words, categorized to help you explore his wisdom.

Quotes on Faith and Theology

Faith, for Aquinas, wasn't a blind leap but a reasoned assent to truths revealed by God. He believed that faith and reason were complementary paths to understanding the divine. These Saint Thomas Aquinas quotes reflect his theological depth.

"To convert somebody, go and take them by the hand and guide them." This quote emphasizes the importance of kindness and personal connection in sharing one's faith.
"Faith has to do with things that are not seen and hope with things that are not at hand." This highlights the essential role of faith in believing in the unseen and hope in anticipating future blessings.
"The things that we love tell us what we are." Our affections reveal our true character and priorities, according to Aquinas.
"The virtue of faith does not destroy reason, but perfects it." Faith elevates and enhances our rational abilities, rather than negating them.
"There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship." Aquinas valued genuine companionship as a source of support and growth.
"Love follows knowledge." Understanding and appreciating something precedes and fuels our love for it.
"The ultimate end of human beings is to see God." This encapsulates Aquinas's teleological view, where humanity's purpose is union with the divine.
"The knowledge of God is the cause of things." God's understanding precedes and creates all existence.
"The truth of our faith becomes a matter of ridicule among the infidels if any Catholic, not gifted with the science that is required, discusses these matters improperly." Ignorance can harm the perception of faith.
"Beware the man of one book." Aquinas cautioned against narrow-mindedness and the limitations of relying solely on a single source of information.

Quotes on Reason and Knowledge

Thomas Aquinas philosophy placed great emphasis on the power of reason to understand the world and to arrive at truths about God. He believed that reason, properly used, could lead to a deeper understanding of faith.

"The study of philosophy is not that we may know what men have thought, but what is the truth of things." Aquinas emphasized the pursuit of objective truth, not merely historical knowledge.
"The things that are told to us give less certain knowledge than the things we learn for ourselves." Direct experience and personal inquiry are more reliable sources of knowledge than hearsay.
"The soul is known by its acts." Our actions reflect the nature of our soul and its capabilities.
"Human reason cannot grasp all things, yet it is not useless." Reason has its limits, but it remains a valuable tool for understanding.
"There is nothing in the intellect that was not first in the senses." All knowledge originates from sensory experience.
"To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible." The acceptance of faith precedes rational understanding.
"The greatest kindness one can render to any man consists in leading him from error to truth." Helping someone discover truth is the highest form of charity.
"The principal act of courage is to endure and withstand dangers valiantly rather than to attack." True courage lies in perseverance and resilience.
"The intention of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance." Art aims to reveal the deeper meaning and essence of reality.
"I would rather feel compassion than know the meaning of it." Experiencing emotions directly is more valuable than simply understanding them intellectually.

Quotes on Law and Justice

Aquinas on law is a cornerstone of his ethical and political thought. He defined law as an ordinance of reason for the common good, made by one who has care of the community, and promulgated. These quotes illuminate his view on justice and its importance.

"Human law is law only in virtue of its accordance with right reason; and thus it is manifest that it flows from the eternal law. And in so far as it deviates from right reason it is called an unjust law; in such case it is no law at all, but rather a species of violence." Unjust laws are not truly laws.
"Justice is the steady and lasting willingness to give to everyone what is due to him." Justice involves consistently respecting the rights and entitlements of others.
"The common good is better than the private good." The well-being of the community takes precedence over individual interests.
"Law is an ordinance of reason for the common good, made by him who has care of the community." This is Aquinas's concise definition of law.
"A tyrant is one who crushes the people by cruelty." Tyranny is characterized by oppressive rule and disregard for the welfare of the governed.
"Peace is the work of justice indirectly, in so far as justice removes the obstacles to peace; but it is the work of charity (love) directly, since charity, according to its very notion, causes peace." Love is the direct source of peace.
"If a law is unjust, it is not law." A fundamental principle of natural law theory.
"It is absurd to hold that a man ought to be ashamed of not being able to do things that are beyond the measure of his powers." We should not be ashamed of our limitations.
"The things that are equal to one and the same thing are equal to each other." A basic principle of logic and equality.
"Punishment is directed toward the correction of the wicked." The purpose of punishment is rehabilitation.

Wishes and Inspirational Messages

These Aquinas quotes and messages offer inspiration for living a virtuous and meaningful life, guided by faith and reason.

"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." - A prayer for divine guidance and perseverance.
"Have courage to have your conduct conform to your conscience." - A reminder to live authentically.
"The things that are loved tell us what we are." - May your loves reflect your highest aspirations.
"May your faith illuminate your path and guide your decisions." - A wish for guidance and clarity.
"May reason and faith work together to bring you closer to truth and understanding." - A wish for intellectual and spiritual growth.
"Seek the truth and let the truth set you free." - Pursue knowledge with an open mind and heart.
"Remember to love and show charity to those around you." - Act with compassion and kindness.
"May you find peace in the pursuit of justice and the common good." - Strive for a better world for all.
"Let your actions be guided by wisdom and virtue." - Live a life of integrity and purpose.
"May you always have the courage to stand up for what is right." - Be brave in the face of adversity.

Quotes on God and Existence

Aquinas theology culminates in his understanding of God as the ultimate source of being and the unmoved mover. These quotes touch upon his metaphysical views and his arguments for God's existence.

"God is the first principle of all things, and the last end of all things." God is the beginning and the ultimate purpose of existence.
"The existence of God can be proved in five ways." A reference to Aquinas's famous Five Ways, arguments for God's existence.
"To love God is something greater than to know Him." Love is a higher form of engagement with God than intellectual understanding alone.
"The truth is that God is good and that goodness is, in its very nature, diffusive." God's goodness naturally extends outward.
"Since God is the highest good, he would not allow any evil to exist in his works, unless his omnipotence and goodness were such as to bring good even out of evil." God can bring good even from suffering.
"Every effect that proceeds from God is a likeness of God." Creation reflects the nature of its creator.
"The light of faith makes us see what the darkness of sin hides from us." Faith illuminates the truth obscured by sin.
"There is nothing imperfect in God." God is perfect in every way.
"The love of God makes us do all things well." Divine love inspires virtuous actions.
"The grace of God is not contrary to nature, but perfects it." Grace enhances and completes our natural abilities.

Conclusion

The enduring legacy of Saint Thomas Aquinas's wisdom lies in his ability to integrate faith and reason, offering a comprehensive framework for understanding the world and our place within it. His teachings continue to resonate with those seeking intellectual and spiritual guidance. These Aquinas quotes offer a starting point for exploring his vast body of work. Consider reflecting on these quotes and how they apply to your own life. Explore further readings of Aquinas's Summa Theologica and other works to deepen your understanding of his profound philosophical and theological contributions.