“Distinctions drawn by the mind are not necessarily equivalent to distinctions in reality.”
- 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
“Distinctions drawn by the mind are not necessarily equivalent to distinctions in reality.”
Explanation
Thomas Aquinas, in this quote, emphasizes the difference between the concepts created by our minds and the true nature of reality. Aquinas is suggesting that the categories, distinctions, and separations we make through our thought processes do not always correspond directly to how things actually are in the real world. Our minds are capable of making fine distinctions and creating mental concepts to better understand or analyze reality, but those distinctions can sometimes be abstract or artificial rather than reflecting actual divisions that exist outside our minds.
Aquinas lived in a time when philosophy and theology sought to provide a deeper understanding of both the natural world and the divine order. Influenced by Aristotle, Aquinas believed that while human reason is a powerful tool for understanding reality, it has limitations. The abstract distinctions we make can be helpful for categorization, discussion, or philosophical inquiry, but they do not always mirror the true nature of things. For Aquinas, it was essential to recognize this limitation, especially in theological discussions where the complexity of God and creation often exceeds the capacity of human language and understanding.
In modern times, this quote remains relevant in many fields, from science to philosophy and even everyday decision-making. It reminds us that our mental models—whether they are scientific theories, political ideologies, or personal beliefs—are ultimately tools for understanding reality, not perfect representations of it. For instance, in science, the classification of species or the models of physical phenomena are ways to make sense of complex systems, but they are often simplifications of a much more intricate reality. Aquinas’s insight encourages humility and openness, recognizing that the world may be more interconnected and less clearly divided than our mental distinctions suggest.
