To bear with patience wrongs done to oneself is a mark of perfection, but to bear with patience wrongs done to someone else is a mark of imperfection and even of actual sin.
Thomas AquinasRead
The highest manifestation of life consists in this: that a being governs its own actions. A thing which is always subject to the direction of another is somewhat of a dead thing.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True life is about self-governance and autonomy; dependence on others signifies a lack of vitality.
In this quote, Thomas Aquinas emphasizes the importance of self-governance as the essence of a fully realized life. He suggests that the ability to control one's own actions is what differentiates a living being from something that is merely existing under the influence of others, which he equates to a form of death or lack of true life.
Themes
Self-GovernanceAutonomyLifeExistencePhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about pursuing personal goals.
More from Thomas Aquinas
All quotes βLaw is nothing other than a certain ordinance of reason for the common good, promulgated by the person who has the care of the community.
Thomas AquinasRead
Now this relaxation of the mind from work consists on playful words or deeds. Therefore it becomes a wise and virtuous man to have recourse to such things at times.
Thomas AquinasRead
A song is the exultation of the mind dwelling on eternal things, bursting forth in the voice.
Thomas AquinasRead
We are like children, who stand in need of masters to enlighten us and direct us; God has provided for this, by appointing his angels to be our teachers and guides.
Thomas AquinasRead
To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.
Thomas AquinasRead
Similar quotes
The hour calls for moral grandeur and spiritual audacity.
Abraham Joshua HeschelRead
When I got religion, I found some work to do to benefit somebody.
Sojourner TruthRead
If you lack the iron and the fizz to take control of your own life, then the gods will repay your weakness by having a grin or two at your expense. Should you fail to pilot your own ship, don't be surprised at what inappropriate port you find yourself docked.
Tom RobbinsRead
What if we choose not to do the things we are supposed to do? The principal gain is a sense of an authentic act - and an authentic life. It may be a short one, but it is an authentic one, and that's a lot better than those short lives full of boredom. The principal loss is security. Another is respect from the community. But you gain the respect of another community, the one that is worth having the respect of.
Joseph CampbellRead
People with the strongest and healthiest sense of calling are not obsessed with their calling. They are preoccupied with the Caller.
John OrtbergRead
Our torments also may in length of time Become our Elements.
John MiltonRead