“How can we live in harmony? First we need to know we are all madly in love with the same God.”
- 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
“How can we live in harmony? First we need to know we are all madly in love with the same God.”
Explanation
In this quote, Thomas Aquinas highlights the key to living in harmony: recognizing our shared love for God. Aquinas suggests that true harmony begins when we understand that, despite our differences, we all share a deep longing for and love of the divine. By acknowledging that our ultimate desires are directed toward the same higher source, it becomes easier to see beyond individual differences, whether they be religious, cultural, or personal. Aquinas is emphasizing the idea that our common spiritual yearning is a unifying force that can bridge the divides between people and foster a spirit of understanding and compassion.
Aquinas lived in a time when Europe was largely shaped by Christianity, but it was also a period marked by religious conflict and division. He worked to integrate reason and faith, as well as build a deeper understanding of how human beings relate to the divine. Aquinas believed that, at the core, every person is drawn to what is good and ultimately to God, whether consciously or unconsciously. This shared love for God, according to Aquinas, can help overcome divisions and promote peaceful coexistence. It provides a perspective that focuses not on the differences in religious practices or beliefs but on the universal love that connects humanity to the divine.
In a modern context, Aquinas’s message is profoundly relevant in fostering tolerance and unity among people of different faiths and backgrounds. It suggests that rather than focusing on the details that separate us, we should remember that many of us share a common longing for meaning, truth, and connection with something greater than ourselves. Whether it is different religions worshiping the same God under different names, or people seeking fulfillment and purpose in life, the common pursuit of love and goodness is what unites us. Aquinas’s insight encourages us to cultivate a spirit of mutual respect and to seek common ground in our shared spiritual aspirations, thereby creating a foundation for living in harmony.
