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
Since faith rests upon infallible truth, and since the contrary of a truth can never be demonstrated, it is clear that the arguments brought against faith cannot be demonstrations, but are difficulties that can be answered.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Faith is based on absolute truths that cannot be disproven, so objections to faith are merely challenges to be addressed.
In this quote, Thomas Aquinas suggests that faith is grounded in immutable truths, implying that genuine truth cannot be countered by mere opinions or arguments. He argues that when challenges to faith arise, they should not be seen as valid demonstrations against it, but rather as questions or difficulties that can be resolved through reasoned discourse.
Themes
FaithTruthDifficultiesReasonPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion on spirituality, one might use this quote to assert the importance of faith amid challenges.
More from Thomas Aquinas
All quotes →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.
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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.
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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.
Thomas AquinasRead
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