Day 112
Thomas Aquinas, philosopher and theologian, lived from 1224 to 1274. Prominent figure in the Roman Catholic history, he was named the “Angelic Doctor” by the Church because of his extensive writings about angels. Aquinas was born in nobility but very early on knew he wanted to devote his life to God. In 1244, he came into contact with members of the Dominican order and, against the violent opposition of his family, became a Dominican friar. In 1323, 49 years after his death, Aquinas was canonized. Since that time his thought has become more or less the official doctrine of the Roman Catholic church.
During his lifetime, Aquinas widely studied Philosophy and Theology. He wrote over forty books, integrating Greek Philosophy into his Christian Faith.
Thomas Aquinas divides happiness in two: perfect happiness “Beatituda” and imperfect happiness “Felicitas”. He believes that perfect happiness is unattainable on earth but that imperfect happiness is.
Part of the definition Aquinas gives of imperfect happiness comes from Aristotle. He thinks that it can be attained through the virtues of courage, wisdom, temperance and justice. However he adds to these virtues, the Christian virtues of faith, hope and love, which he believes were taught by Jesus-Christ. Aquinas views the satisfaction of worldly desires as being merely enjoyments, which cannot possibly lead to any kind of true happiness. He observes that human desires only lead to more desires, which, in the end, are never fulfilled.
According to Aquinas, perfect happiness can only be found in the afterlife. Although we can achieve partial happiness by seeking the Truth thanks to our ability to reason, the complete Truth will only be revealed to us after our death. Therefore, perfect happiness can only be found then.
Some people might find consolation for their suffering thinking that perfect bliss will be found in the afterlife. And so, no matter what obstacle they encounter in life on earth, a true salvation lies ahead. Call me an idealist, but I do believe it is possible to work toward the attainment of true Happiness in the Here and Now. I might not have found all the tools to attain it yet, but I’m getting closer every day.
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