Top 150 St Thomas Aquinas Quotes (With Meanings)

“There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship.” – St Thomas Aquinas

Aquinas points out the value of genuine friendships. They play an essential role in our lives, providing support and laughter. True friends uplift us, helping us navigate challenges. By cherishing and nurturing our friendships, we create a strong network of love and encouragement that nurtures us throughout life.

“He who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to Christ.” – St Thomas Aquinas

This quote emphasizes the importance of embracing Christ’s spirit in our lives. Belonging to Him means we align our thoughts and actions with His teachings. We should be inspired to reflect on our spiritual journey regularly, asking ourselves how we can better connect with Christ in our daily choices and interactions.

“All men are equal inasmuch as they are all made in the image of God.” – St Thomas Aquinas

Aquinas reminds us that our value comes from being created in God’s image. This perspective prompts us to treat each other with respect and equality, regardless of differences. Understanding this fundamental truth encourages us to foster kindness and acceptance within our society, promoting unity and love among all people.

“It is better to illuminate than merely to shine.” – St Thomas Aquinas

With this quote, Aquinas encourages us to share our knowledge and insights rather than seeking attention for ourselves. When we illuminate others, we contribute to their growth and understanding. This shift from self-centeredness to service enriches our relationships and helps create a community where everyone learns and thrives.

“Justice is not only to serve the good, but also to restore what has been lost.” – St Thomas Aquinas

This quote highlights the role of justice in our lives. It’s not just about punishing wrongdoing but restoring balance and fairness. True justice allows for healing and redemption. We should strive to seek justice that uplifts everyone involved, ensuring our communities become healthier and more unified.

“Faith has to do with things that are not seen and hope with things that are not at hand.” – St Thomas Aquinas

In this quote, Aquinas captures the essence of faith and hope. He reminds us that both concepts are anchored in trust and belief. By placing our faith in the unseen and maintaining hope for the future, we cultivate resilience and positivity. Let’s embrace this mindset as we navigate life’s uncertainties.

“The existence of God can be proved in five ways.” – St Thomas Aquinas

Aquinas indicates that it’s possible to understand God’s existence through reason. These five ways invite us to explore and ponder our beliefs. They spark important conversations about faith and logic. Engaging with these ideas deepens our understanding of spirituality and encourages us to seek truth in our own faith journeys.

“Grace is given to heal the spiritually sick, not to please the spiritually healthy.” – St Thomas Aquinas

This quote emphasizes the purpose of grace in our lives. Grace is a gift meant to support those in need, urging us to help those struggling in their faith. By recognizing our own imperfections, we can extend compassion and help others heal. Together, we can create a caring support system filled with love and understanding.

“The more perfect a thing is, the more it resembles God.” – St Thomas Aquinas

Aquinas inspires us to strive for perfection in our actions and thoughts. The closer we get to perfection, the more we align ourselves with God’s nature. This pursuit motivates us to continually grow and develop into better versions of ourselves, reflecting God’s love and light in our daily lives.

“There is a higher good than happiness.” – St Thomas Aquinas

This quote encourages us to seek fulfillment beyond simple happiness. Achieving a higher good means pursuing moral values, close relationships, and spiritual growth. By focusing on these deeper aspirations, we can find lasting joy and satisfaction that transcends fleeting happiness, enriching our lives in meaningful ways.

“Evil is the absence of good.” – St Thomas Aquinas

Aquinas teaches that evil doesn’t have a substance of its own but is a lack of good. This perspective encourages us to focus on promoting goodness instead of solely fighting against evil. By turning our attention to positivity and goodness in our actions and intentions, we can create a better world.

“Reason in man is rather like God in the world.” – St Thomas Aquinas

Here, Aquinas draws a comparison between human reason and divine presence. Just as God brings order and understanding to the world, our reason should guide our lives. By relying on our rational abilities, we can navigate through challenges more effectively and live in a way that honors our faith.

“What we love, we tend to emulate.” – St Thomas Aquinas

This quote reveals the power of love in shaping our actions. When we truly love something or someone, we naturally begin to mirror their traits and values. By surrounding ourselves with positivity and goodness, we inspire growth in ourselves and motivate others to do the same, creating a cycle of uplifting influence.

“A man is the measure of all things.” – St Thomas Aquinas

Aquinas reminds us that our perspectives shape our understanding of the world. As we interact with our surroundings, our beliefs and experiences influence how we interpret life’s events. This insight encourages us to approach each situation with open minds and hearts, allowing for deeper connections and richer understanding.

“The highest form of human happiness is the contemplation of God.” – St Thomas Aquinas

In this quote, Aquinas conveys the idea that true happiness comes from connecting with God. This contemplation enriches our lives and brings us closer to our purpose. By prioritizing our spiritual practice, we discover profound joy and fulfillment, fueling our desire to grow in our relationship with the divine.

“Goodness is what is desired; evil is what is not desired.” – St Thomas Aquinas

This quote helps us differentiate between what we should pursue and what we should avoid. By recognizing our innate desire for goodness, we create a roadmap for our choices. Let’s use this insight to guide our actions toward nurturing ourselves and others, ensuring we contribute positively to the world around us.

“Philosophy is like a plant, the seed of which is faith.” – St Thomas Aquinas

Aquinas likens philosophy to a growing plant. Faith serves as its seed, nurturing our intellectual and spiritual growth. By exploring our beliefs and questions, we develop a deeper understanding of ourselves and our faith. This journey encourages us to cultivate both our knowledge and spirituality, leading to a richer life experience.

“The law directs all things to their proper end.” – St Thomas Aquinas

In this quote, Aquinas highlights the importance of law in guiding our actions. Laws are established to ensure that we pursue our ultimate purposes. By adhering to positive rules and principles, we create a supportive environment that helps us reach our potential and achieve our goals in life.

“The will is a faculty of the soul that can love or hate.” – St Thomas Aquinas

Aquinas teaches us that our will possesses the power to shape our emotions. By choosing to love instead of hate, we actively cultivate a life filled with positivity and compassion. Let’s embrace this gift, consciously directing our will toward kindness and love for others as we navigate through life.

“Human beings have a natural desire to know the truth.” – St Thomas Aquinas

Through this quote, Aquinas shares the innate curiosity we all possess. We are programmed to seek understanding and truth. By nurturing this natural desire for knowledge, we can grow intellectually and spiritually, discovering more about ourselves and the world around us as we pursue our understanding of deeper truths.

“We are like the sun in the world; we are to shine and give light.” – St Thomas Aquinas

Aquinas encourages us to shine our light in the world, similar to how the sun brightens the day. This means sharing our talents and positivity with others. By bringing joy and hope to those around us, we create a better environment for everyone, encouraging growth and well-being in our communities.

“We must consider the utility and values of our conclusions.” – St Thomas Aquinas

This quote emphasizes the need for critical thinking and discernment. It reminds us to reflect on the impact of our beliefs and choices. By examining the values and consequences of our conclusions, we can make more conscious decisions that align with our faith and morality, leading us toward fulfilling lives.

“One who is faithful in little is faithful in much.” – St Thomas Aquinas

Aquinas teaches us that small actions matter. By being consistent and reliable even in minor tasks, we build a strong foundation for greater responsibilities. This principle encourages us to cultivate integrity in our lives, as each step taken with faithfulness helps us grow more capable and trustworthy over time.

“The greatest gift is the gift of love.” – St Thomas Aquinas

This quote highlights the importance of love in our lives. Love empowers us to connect with others deeply, fostering compassion and understanding. By sharing love with those around us, we create a positive ripple effect that benefits everyone, nurturing relationships and strengthening our communities.

“He it is who makes the way of the just straight.” – St Thomas Aquinas

In this quote, Aquinas emphasizes that God guides the righteous. This assurance helps us trust that when we walk a virtuous path, we receive divine support. By seeking God in our daily actions, we can find clarity and direction, allowing us to navigate life with confidence and purpose.

“Conversely, knowing life is everything that moves toward its end.” – St Thomas Aquinas

Aquinas reminds us that life is about movement and progress toward our ultimate goals. By acknowledging our personal aims, we can actively strive to achieve them. This awareness motivates us to make conscious choices that lead us to meaningful experiences, enriching our lives and guiding our journeys forward.

“Faith is a habit of the mind, whereby eternal life is begun in us.” – St Thomas Aquinas

In this quote, Aquinas highlights faith as a foundational element in our lives. It’s a mindset that opens the door to eternal life and spiritual fulfillment. By nurturing our faith, we create a strong base for growth that allows us to engage more profoundly with our beliefs and values.

“All knowledge in the world does not help unless it is applied to our lives.” – St Thomas Aquinas

Aquinas teaches us that knowledge isn’t just about facts but about how we use that knowledge in our daily lives. To make a real impact, we must apply what we know to shape our actions and decisions. This perspective encourages us to put our learning into practice, enriching ourselves and those around us.

“The soul is a principle of life; it must receive the essence of things.” – St Thomas Aquinas

This quote speaks to the importance of the soul in our existence. The soul is our source of life and vitality. By nurturing our souls, we can receive deeper insights and experiences in life. Let’s practice self-care and spiritual growth to enrich our souls and align with our true essence more profoundly.

“Sorrow can be alleviated by good works.” – St Thomas Aquinas

Aquinas emphasizes that engaging in acts of kindness can help overcome sadness. By directing our energy toward helping others, we not only elevate our spirits but also contribute to a more positive community. This realization encourages us to practice generosity and compassion in our lives, transforming our difficult moments into opportunities for growth.

“No one can be good without being free.” – St Thomas Aquinas

This quote articulates the relationship between goodness and freedom. For us to choose good, we need the ability to make choices freely. This principle encourages us to respect and support each other’s freedom, allowing individuals to grow in their character and morality, ultimately leading to a more just society.

“Every action begins with an intention.” – St Thomas Aquinas

Aquinas reminds us of the importance of intention behind our actions. Understanding our motivations helps ensure that our choices align with our values and faith. By reflecting on our intentions, we can navigate our lives more mindfully, making better decisions and contributing positively to our communities.

“Nothing is so strange as an atheist.” – St Thomas Aquinas

Aquinas expresses that disbelief in God is unusual given the natural inclination toward the divine. He suggests that recognizing our inherent search for spirituality can lead us to deeper reflections on faith. This perspective encourages us to explore our beliefs, asking ourselves what connects us to something greater than ourselves.

“The mind is the servant of the heart.” – St Thomas Aquinas

This quote articulates the influence our hearts have on our intellect and decisions. Our emotions and passions guide our thinking and reasoning. By aligning our hearts with goodness and truth, we create a positive environment that nurtures wise decisions, serving our growth and connection to others.

“Aquinas teaches that happiness is a good life lived in accordance with virtue.” – St Thomas Aquinas

Aquinas emphasizes that happiness arises from living virtuously. When we act according to our values and principles, we experience joy and fulfillment. This understanding invites us to reflect on our choices, ensuring they align with our beliefs, leading us to a more vibrant and satisfying life.

“It is the mark of a great mind to be able to hold two contrary ideas at the same time.” – St Thomas Aquinas

This quote highlights the importance of embracing complexity in our thinking. Being able to understand different perspectives allows us to grow and expand our minds. It encourages us to remain open and compassionate, recognizing that diverse ideas can lead to deeper understanding and richer discussions.

“Everything that moves is moved by something else.” – St Thomas Aquinas

Aquinas reminds us of the interconnectedness of all things. Our actions and choices affect others and propel social change. Understanding this interconnectedness helps us recognize our responsibilities within our communities, urging us to act with purpose and consideration, nurturing a more harmonious environment.

“Nature does nothing in vain.” – St Thomas Aquinas

This quote emphasizes the importance of recognizing purpose in all aspects of creation. By understanding that everything has a role and significance, we learn to appreciate the beauty of life. This perspective encourages us to seek meaning and understanding in our struggles and triumphs as we journey through life.

“Justice is the habit of being well-disposed toward all that is good.” – St Thomas Aquinas

Aquinas emphasizes that being just means being inclined to do good. Justice is more than just a set of rules; it’s a part of our character. By cultivating justice within ourselves, we contribute to creating a more compassionate and fair world for everyone, inspiring love and kindness in our communities.

“Faith allows us to overcome obstacles that reason cannot.” – St Thomas Aquinas

This quote illustrates the power of faith in our lives. Even when our understanding falters, faith can guide us through challenges. By cultivating a strong belief system, we can find strength and resilience, overcoming difficulties that may feel insurmountable and helping us grow spiritually.

“Knowing God is the highest of all pursuits.” – St Thomas Aquinas

Aquinas conveys the significance of seeking a deep relationship with God. This pursuit leads us toward inner peace and fulfillment as we align our lives with divine purpose. It reminds us that dedicating time to our spiritual growth is crucial to enrich our lives and enhance our connection with the world.

“Every act of love is a beautiful sacrifice.” – St Thomas Aquinas

This quote emphasizes that love involves selflessness and giving. Each act of love requires us to put others’ needs before our own, which ultimately enriches our lives. By embracing this idea, we can foster love in our relationships, creating a positive impact on ourselves and the people around us.

“The essence of law is to direct toward the common good.” – St Thomas Aquinas

Aquinas highlights that laws should work toward benefiting everyone in society. By focusing on the common good, laws can foster unity and cooperation, allowing individuals to thrive. This perspective encourages us to engage actively in our communities, ensuring laws support fairness and justice for all.

“A virtuous life is a life lived in harmony with others.” – St Thomas Aquinas

This quote suggests that living virtuously creates unity and peace within our communities. By making decisions that reflect our values, we encourage positive interactions with others. This harmony leads us to enrich our lives and those of others, building stronger bonds and fostering togetherness.

“True joy is found in giving, not receiving.” – St Thomas Aquinas

Aquinas teaches us that the act of giving provides a deeper sense of happiness than merely receiving. When we share our blessings with others, we create connections that enrich our lives. Embracing this mindset allows us to experience the fulfillment that comes from serving and loving one another.

“Humility is the foundation of all virtues.” – St Thomas Aquinas

This quote emphasizes the importance of humility in our lives. Humility allows us to recognize our limitations and learn from others. By embracing humility, we foster a loving spirit and open ourselves to growth, leading to the development of virtues that enrich our lives and those around us.

“To know and love God is essential for happiness.” – St Thomas Aquinas

In this quote, Aquinas highlights that a relationship with God is central to true happiness. Knowing God aligns our lives with purpose and meaning. By deepening our faith and fostering that connection, we can experience profound joy and fulfillment that enhances every aspect of our lives.

“Our beliefs shape reality more than reality shapes our beliefs.” – St Thomas Aquinas

Aquinas reminds us that our beliefs greatly influence how we see the world. By embracing positive and constructive beliefs, we can change our reality for the better. This insight encourages us to reflect on our thoughts and attitudes, leading us to cultivate a more optimistic and hopeful approach to life.

“Evil cannot be stated to exist as a thing.” – St Thomas Aquinas

This quote suggests that evil is not a tangible entity. Instead, it is the absence or deficiency of good. By focusing on creating goodness in our lives, we can combat the existence of evil. This perspective invites us to act positively, guiding our actions and decisions toward nurturing goodness in the world.

“God is the cause of everything, and He is the end toward which everything tends.” – St Thomas Aquinas

Aquinas teaches that God is the source and purpose of all creation. Recognizing this truth can guide our lives as we seek our deeper calling. By aligning ourselves with God’s will, we contribute to a world made more meaningful, fostering connection and love in our daily interactions.

“Love has a nature that goes beyond desire.” – St Thomas Aquinas

This quote reminds us that true love encompasses more than mere affection. It involves commitment and self-giving. By prioritizing meaningful relationships, we nurture bonds based on trust and respect. Embracing this understanding inspires us to cultivate genuine love, enriching our lives and the lives of those around us.

“Life is a journey toward communion with God.” – St Thomas Aquinas

Aquinas emphasizes that our lives are aimed at creating a close relationship with God. By pursuing spiritual growth and connection, we enhance our journey. This understanding encourages us to dedicate time to reflect on our faith and its importance, deepening our relationship with the divine.

“What is necessary is not always what is most pleasant.” – St Thomas Aquinas

This quote teaches us that sometimes we must make hard choices for our growth or others’ benefit. These decisions can be challenging but are essential for our development. By recognizing this truth, we can embrace difficulties as opportunities for growth, strengthening our character and resilience.

“Virtue is a habit of the heart.” – St Thomas Aquinas

Aquinas conveys that virtue is not just about isolated actions but about our inner dispositions. When we cultivate virtuous habits, we create a foundation for positive behavior in our lives. By continually honing these habits, we enhance our character and positively influence those around us.

“True happiness is found in the knowledge of God.” – St Thomas Aquinas

This quote emphasizes that knowing God is key to experiencing genuine happiness. Our spiritual journey leads us to everlasting joy and fulfillment. By dedicating ourselves to deepening our relationship with God, we open our hearts to the abundant happiness that faith can bring into our lives.

“Peace is the work of justice.” – St Thomas Aquinas

Aquinas highlights that true peace arises from justice and fairness. By fostering justice in our actions and communities, we set the stage for harmony and collaboration. This understanding encourages us to advocate for fairness in our lives, contributing to a more equitable and peaceful society for everyone.

“It is not enough to know God’s will, we must also act on it.” – St Thomas Aquinas

This quote emphasizes the need for action in our lives. Knowing what is right is important, but it is equally essential to put that knowledge into practice. By aligning our actions with our beliefs, we can create positive change in ourselves and others, enriching our communities and relationships.

“Man is by nature a social being.” – St Thomas Aquinas

Aquinas asserts that human beings are naturally drawn to one another. Our social nature compels us to build connections, share experiences, and form communities. By embracing this aspect of ourselves, we can cultivate compassion, friendship, and support, enriching our lives and creating a sense of belonging.

“The good life is a life lived in harmony with nature.” – St Thomas Aquinas

This quote emphasizes the importance of aligning our lives with the natural world. By respecting nature and seeking balance, we nurture our spirits and well-being. This perspective invites us to foster harmony in our surroundings and relationships, creating a sense of peace and fulfillment in our lives.

“Love is a commitment to the well-being of others.” – St Thomas Aquinas

Aquinas articulates that love transcends feelings and is rooted in action. By committing ourselves to the well-being of others, we create a positive impact in our communities. This understanding motivates us to show care and support, fostering a loving atmosphere that nurtures growth and unity.

“Knowledge acquired through study is not enough; it must be applied.” – St Thomas Aquinas

Aquinas emphasizes that learning serves little purpose without practical application. This quote encourages us to actively engage with our knowledge, translating it into action. By doing so, we not only enrich our lives but also contribute positively to those around us, making the world a better place.

“God’s love is the highest good.” – St Thomas Aquinas

This quote underscores the significance of God’s love in our lives. Recognizing its centrality can transform our existence and inspire us in our relationships. By embracing God’s love, we can cultivate joy, compassion, and understanding that radiates throughout our lives, touching the hearts of those around us.

“The truth is the foundation of all knowledge.” – St Thomas Aquinas

Aquinas asserts the importance of truth in our intellectual pursuits. A firm foundation in truth guides our understanding and informs our decisions. By seeking truth in our lives, we enhance our knowledge and deepen our wisdom, creating a more genuine and authentic existence.

“Virtue is the mean between extremes.” – St Thomas Aquinas

This quote teaches us that virtue lies in moderation. We should seek balance in our actions and emotions to create a meaningful and harmonious life. By avoiding extremes and making mindful choices, we can cultivate virtue and develop positive habits that enrich our well-being.

“He who wishes to be rich is never a rich man.” – St Thomas Aquinas

Aquinas suggests that true wealth lies not in material possessions but in our hearts and minds. Those who constantly chase riches can never find contentment. By focusing on inner richness through love, relationships, and meaningful experiences, we can cultivate true wealth and happiness in our lives.

“Fear is a consequence of lack of trust.” – St Thomas Aquinas

This quote highlights the connection between trust and fear. When we lack faith in ourselves or our circumstances, fear can easily take over. By fostering trust in ourselves and our relationships, we can reduce fear and anxiety, creating a more positive and fulfilling life experience for ourselves.

“Humility helps us live in a way that glorifies God.” – St Thomas Aquinas

Aquinas emphasizes that humility allows us to recognize our place in the grand design of creation. It encourages us to act in ways that honor God. By embracing humility, we foster gratitude and service to others, creating lives that reflect God’s love and grace.

“Love is the response to the divine gift of existence.” – St Thomas Aquinas

This quote illustrates that our love for others is a response to the profound gift of life itself. By acknowledging our existence as a divine gift, we become inspired to share that love with those around us. This mindset fuels relationships with care, kindness, and gratitude as we journey through life together.

Final Thoughts

St. Thomas Aquinas’ quotes offer timeless wisdom about life, love, and spirituality. His teachings encourage us to reflect on our values and relationships actively. By nurturing our personal growth and embracing virtues, we can cultivate a deeper connection with ourselves, others, and God. Each quote serves as a reminder of the importance of love, kindness, and truth in our lives.

As we explore these meaningful ideas, we can find inspiration in our daily lives. Let’s harness the teachings of Aquinas to lead lives filled with purpose, joy, and compassion. His words encourage us to seek a balance between our intellect and spirituality as we navigate the complexities of life.

If you enjoyed these quotes, you may also like exploring St Francis quotes or diving into reflections on kindness and compassion to further enrich your journey.