“How is it they live in such harmony the billions of stars – when most men can barely go a minute without declaring war in their minds about someone they know.”
- 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
“How is it they live in such harmony the billions of stars – when most men can barely go a minute without declaring war in their minds about someone they know.”
Explanation
Thomas Aquinas marvels at the harmony present in the natural world, particularly the stars in the universe, and contrasts this with the conflict-prone nature of human beings. He points out that the stars—billions of them—exist together in order and unity, following their natural course without discord, while humans, despite their capacity for reason and moral judgment, often struggle to maintain inner peace. The stars symbolize an ideal of cosmic order and balance, while the human mind frequently falls into conflict, jealousy, and anger, even over trivial matters.
Aquinas is making a larger point about the human condition and the need for inner harmony. He suggests that, despite our unique ability to reason, we often succumb to negative emotions and ego-driven thoughts that create conflict not just with others, but also within ourselves. The stars, which lack consciousness or free will, are able to follow their natural path in harmony, while humans, with all their gifts, tend to engage in mental battles that disrupt their potential for peace. This contrast highlights the difficulty of achieving harmony within the human soul and the importance of cultivating virtue to live more peacefully with others.
In modern contexts, this quote speaks to the need for mindfulness and self-reflection in managing our thoughts and emotions. It is a reminder of how easily negative thought patterns can disrupt our inner peace and lead to external conflicts. Just as the stars follow their natural course, humans are also called to align themselves with their higher purpose and seek balance and harmony within. Aquinas’s insight encourages us to be more aware of our mental states and to cultivate thoughts that foster understanding, compassion, and unity rather than division. By doing so, we can begin to create the kind of inner harmony that mirrors the peaceful order seen in the natural universe.
