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
Man can sin against nature in two ways. First, when he sins against his specific rational nature, acting contrary to reason. In this sense, we can say that every sin is a sin against man's nature, because it is against man's right reason.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes that sinning goes against human rationality and nature.
In this quote, Thomas Aquinas discusses the concept of sin as a violation of both human nature and reason. He explains that to act against one's rational nature is to sin, suggesting that all sins are ultimately transgressions against the inherent rationality that defines humanity. This perspective encourages a deeper understanding of morality as rooted in human nature and the application of reason.
Themes
SinNatureReasonHumanityMorality
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture on ethics, one might quote Aquinas to highlight the importance of acting in accordance with our rational nature.
More from Thomas Aquinas
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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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