Thomas Aquinas

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.

—Thomas Aquinas

It is not theft, properly speaking, to take secretly and use another’s property in a case of extreme need: because that which he takes for the support of his life becomes his own property by reason of that need.

—Thomas Aquinas

The existence of a prime mover- nothing can move itself; there must be a first mover. The first mover is called God.

—Thomas Aquinas

It is necessary for the perfection of human society that there should be men who devote their lives to contemplation.

—Thomas Aquinas

The happy man in this life needs friends.

—Thomas Aquinas

The slenderest knowledge that may be obtained of the highest things is more desirable than the most certain knowledge obtained of lesser things.

—Thomas Aquinas

Grant me, O Lord my God, a mind to know you, a heart to seek you, wisdom to find you, conduct pleasing to you, faithful perseverance in waiting for you, and a hope of finally embracing you. Amen.

—Thomas Aquinas

I would rather feel compassion than know the meaning of it. I would hope to act with compassion without thinking of personal gain.

—Thomas Aquinas

The truth of our faith becomes a matter of ridicule among the infidels if any Catholic, not gifted with the necessary scientific learning, presents as dogma what scientific scrutiny shows to be false.

—Thomas Aquinas

Wonder is the desire of knowledge.

—Thomas Aquinas

Most men seem to live according to sense rather than reason.

—Thomas Aquinas

Temperance is simply a disposition of the mind which set bounds to the passions.

—Thomas Aquinas

Friendship is the source of the greatest pleasures, and without friends even the most agreeable pursuits become tedious.

—Thomas Aquinas

For those with faith, no evidence is necessary; for those without it, no evidence will suffice.

—Thomas Aquinas

While injustice is the worst of sins, despair is the most dangerous; because when you are in despair you care neither about yourself nor about others.

—Thomas Aquinas

If you are looking for the way by which you should go, take Christ, because he himself is the way.

—Thomas Aquinas

Love follows knowledge.

—Thomas Aquinas

To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.

—Thomas Aquinas

Mercy without justice is the mother of dissolution; justice without mercy is cruelty.

—Thomas Aquinas

The things that we love tell us what we are.

—Thomas Aquinas

The blessed in the kingdom of heaven will see the punishments of the damned, in order that their bliss be more delightful for them.

—Thomas Aquinas

The human mind may perceive truth only through thinking, as is clear from Augustine.

—Thomas Aquinas

Friendship makes you feel as one with your friend.

—Thomas Aquinas

Better to illuminate than merely to shine to deliver to others contemplated truths than merely to contemplate.

—Thomas Aquinas

The study of truth requires a considerable effort – which is why few are willing to undertake it out of love of knowledge – despite the fact that God has implanted a natural appetite for such knowledge in the minds of men.

—Thomas Aquinas

It is not theft, properly speaking, to take secretly and use another’s property in a case of extreme need: because that which he takes for the support of his life becomes his own property by reason of that need.

—Thomas Aquinas

If the highest aim of a captain were to preserve his ship, he would keep it in port forever.

—Thomas Aquinas

I receive Thee ransom of my soul. For love of Thee have I studied and kept vigil toiled preached and taught.

—Thomas Aquinas

We must love them both, those whose opinions we share and those whose opinions we reject, for both have labored in the search for truth, and both have helped us in finding it.

—Thomas Aquinas

To love is to will the good of the other.

—Thomas Aquinas