“The things that we love tell us what we are.”
- 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
“The things that we love tell us what we are.”
Explanation
Thomas Aquinas emphasizes that our loves and passions reveal the essence of who we are as individuals. What we choose to love—whether people, ideals, activities, or values—reflects our character, priorities, and inner nature. Aquinas suggests that the objects of our affection are not merely a collection of things we like; they are a mirror of our soul. By examining what we deeply care about, we can better understand our true identity, desires, and what drives our actions. The things we love reveal our moral compass, our aspirations, and the depth of our spirituality.
This perspective ties into Aquinas’s broader understanding of virtue ethics, where he emphasizes that a person’s true nature and the quality of their moral life are defined by their attachments and what they seek. During his time in the 13th century, Aquinas believed that the ultimate purpose of life is to direct one’s love toward the highest good, which, in his view, was God. Loving virtuous things or pursuing truth, beauty, and goodness is a reflection of an individual striving for higher values and moral integrity. In contrast, misguided love or attachment to material, fleeting things might indicate a lack of deeper purpose or a focus on superficial aspects of life.
In today’s world, this quote remains insightful as a tool for self-reflection. By analyzing what we invest our time, energy, and emotions in, we can better understand who we are and what we stand for. If someone loves helping others, it reveals a compassionate and altruistic character. If another person loves pursuing knowledge, it shows a curious and inquisitive nature. Aquinas’s words invite us to be more intentional in our loves and to strive for those that reflect the best version of ourselves, encouraging us to direct our passions toward what is uplifting, noble, and virtuous. In doing so, we align our lives more closely with our true values and purpose, ultimately defining our character by what we hold dear.
