“Because philosophy arises from awe, a philosopher is bound in his way to be a lover of myths and poetic fables. Poets and philosophers are alike in being big with wonder.”
- 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
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Quote
“Because philosophy arises from awe, a philosopher is bound in his way to be a lover of myths and poetic fables. Poets and philosophers are alike in being big with wonder.”
Explanation
Thomas Aquinas highlights the profound connection between philosophy, myth, and poetry, suggesting that all of these disciplines stem from a sense of awe and wonder. He believes that philosophy begins with the desire to understand the mysteries of the world, which is sparked by a deep sense of amazement. In the same way, poets and storytellers are moved by a sense of wonder that inspires them to create myths and fables. Both philosophers and poets share an innate curiosity and a fascination with the unknown, using their respective crafts to explore and express the deeper truths of existence.
Aquinas draws from the tradition of Greek philosophy, particularly Aristotle, who also claimed that philosophy begins in wonder. In the 13th century, Aquinas sought to reconcile the intellectual pursuits of philosophy with the imaginative richness found in myth and poetry. He believed that myths and poetic stories contain symbolic truths that can help convey complex ideas about the human condition, morality, and the divine. These stories are not opposed to philosophy but rather serve as another means of exploring the profound mysteries of life. For Aquinas, the wonder that drives philosophers to seek rational explanations is the same wonder that drives poets to express their insights through imagination and symbolism.
In the modern context, this quote speaks to the complementary roles of rational inquiry and creative expression in the pursuit of understanding. Philosophers, scientists, and thinkers may use logic and reasoning to explore the world, while artists and poets use their imagination to delve into emotions and experiences that may be beyond the reach of pure logic. Aquinas’s insight encourages us to appreciate both approaches, recognizing that intellectual curiosity and creative wonder are both essential parts of the human spirit. Whether through scientific discovery or artistic creation, it is our sense of awe that drives us to seek meaning, to understand, and to communicate the beauty and complexity of life.
