“Three things are necessary for the salvation of man: to know what he ought to believe; to know what he ought to desire; and to know what he ought to do.”
- 1225 – March 7, 1274
- Born in the Kingdom of Sicily (Italy)
- Theologian, philosopher
- A representative figure of scholasticism, who systematized the relationship between the doctrines of the Catholic Church and reason through his masterpiece, the Summa Theologica
Quote
“Three things are necessary for the salvation of man: to know what he ought to believe; to know what he ought to desire; and to know what he ought to do.”
Explanation
Thomas Aquinas, a medieval theologian and philosopher, provided this statement as part of his exploration of the Christian faith and the pursuit of salvation. The three elements he mentions—belief, desire, and action—form the foundation of his theological framework for understanding human fulfillment and salvation. To Aquinas, the right belief pertains to having a true understanding of God and His teachings, which serves as the first step towards salvation. This belief informs one’s values, guiding the desires of the soul towards good and virtuous goals, such as love for God and humanity. Finally, these beliefs and desires must be reflected in one’s actions—actively living out a virtuous life according to God’s will.
Aquinas lived during the 13th century, a period characterized by the integration of Aristotelian philosophy with Christian theology. His work, especially in his seminal text “Summa Theologica,” sought to reconcile reason and faith, emphasizing that human salvation is not solely dependent on divine grace but also on the conscious choices of individuals. In his context, salvation was not just about following church doctrines but involved a personal engagement with one’s beliefs, desires, and actions.
In modern times, this quote still resonates with people beyond religious boundaries. It can be applied to the pursuit of a meaningful life, where clarity of belief, alignment of desires, and purposeful actions are essential for personal fulfillment. For example, an individual striving for personal growth might first determine their core values, align their aspirations with those values, and then take concrete actions to live authentically. The wisdom of Aquinas here highlights a timeless principle: that true fulfillment—whether spiritual or personal—requires a harmony between what we think, what we feel, and what we do.
