“Love must precede hatred, and nothing is hated save through being contrary to a suitable thing which is loved. And hence it is that every hatred is caused by love.”
- 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
table of contents
Quote
“Love must precede hatred, and nothing is hated save through being contrary to a suitable thing which is loved. And hence it is that every hatred is caused by love.”
Explanation
In this quote, Thomas Aquinas explores the relationship between love and hatred, arguing that love inherently comes before hatred. According to Aquinas, hatred arises when something is contrary to what we love or value. For instance, people hate things that threaten or oppose something they deeply care about. Therefore, the cause of hatred is often rooted in a love for something else. This perspective portrays hatred not as an independent emotion but as a reaction that emerges when something stands in opposition to what we hold dear.
Aquinas’s philosophy was heavily influenced by Aristotelian thought, in which every action and emotion has a logical basis. In this case, Aquinas shows that hatred does not exist without a preceding attachment or affection for something. His understanding of emotions was not just abstract but intended to provide a moral framework for managing one’s inner life. By understanding that hatred stems from love, Aquinas suggests that one must examine their attachments to truly understand and address the roots of their negative feelings. For example, one might hate injustice because they love the idea of fairness and human dignity.
In modern contexts, this idea helps us understand complex emotions and how to deal with them constructively. For example, when people express anger or hatred towards certain actions or behaviors, it can often be traced back to a protective love for something they value, like justice, family, or community. Recognizing that hatred is a reflection of love can also promote greater empathy. Instead of seeing hatred as purely destructive, understanding its roots can help us address the underlying love and find healthier ways to protect and nurture what we care about. This perspective emphasizes the importance of transforming negative emotions by focusing on the positive attachments that underlie them.
