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
Law is nothing other than a certain ordinance of reason for the common good, promulgated by the person who has the care of the community.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Law is a rational guideline that aims to promote the well-being of society, established by those in charge.
In this quote, Thomas Aquinas emphasizes that laws are essentially rational constructs that are created for the benefit of all individuals in a community. He highlights the importance of the law in organizing society and enforcing moral order, arguing that it should reflect reason and serve the common good, established by authorities entrusted with caring for the community.
Themes
LawReasonCommunityCommon GoodJustice
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the ethical foundations of law during a philosophy class.
More from Thomas Aquinas
All quotes βNow 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.
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A song is the exultation of the mind dwelling on eternal things, bursting forth in the voice.
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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.
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To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.
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Man cannot live without joy; therefore when he is deprived of true spiritual joys it is necessary that he become addicted to carnal pleasures.
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