“All that is true, by whomsoever it has been said has its origin in the Spirit.”
- 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
“All that is true, by whomsoever it has been said has its origin in the Spirit.”
Explanation
Thomas Aquinas emphasizes the idea that truth is universal and transcendent, regardless of the source from which it comes. According to Aquinas, all truth ultimately originates in the Spirit—a reference to the divine source of truth, often understood as the Holy Spirit in Christian theology. This means that whether a truth is spoken by a believer, a non-believer, a philosopher, or a scientist, its ultimate origin is from the divine. Aquinas is underscoring that truth, in its purest form, is sacred and comes from God, and it is not bound by human distinctions of identity or belief.
Aquinas lived during the 13th century, a time when he sought to bridge the gap between Christian theology and philosophical inquiry, particularly by drawing upon the works of Aristotle and other non-Christian thinkers. His assertion that truth has its origin in the Spirit demonstrates his belief that reason and revelation are compatible, and that valuable insights can be found beyond the confines of Christian teachings. Aquinas recognized the importance of seeking truth wherever it may be found and believed that any truth, regardless of its source, contributes to our understanding of God’s creation.
In the modern world, Aquinas’s perspective has significant implications for how we approach knowledge and dialogue across cultures, disciplines, and belief systems. It encourages an open-minded approach to truth, where people value insights from a wide range of perspectives, be they scientific, philosophical, or spiritual. For instance, wisdom from various religions, scientific discoveries, or secular philosophies all contribute to a fuller understanding of the world. Aquinas’s insight calls for an appreciation of truth wherever it is found, emphasizing that all genuine knowledge can lead us toward a greater understanding of the divine or the deeper nature of reality. This perspective promotes unity in the pursuit of knowledge and encourages respect for diverse voices that contribute to the collective understanding of truth.
