“Beware of the person of one book.”
- 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
“Beware of the person of one book.”
Explanation
Thomas Aquinas is emphasizing the potential risk of dealing with someone whose knowledge is limited to a single source or perspective. The phrase “person of one book” suggests an individual who relies solely on one text—often taking its teachings as the only truth without considering other viewpoints or evidence. Such a person may demonstrate rigidity in thought, potentially leading to dogmatism, as they lack the broader understanding that comes from exploring multiple perspectives. Aquinas is warning against the narrow-mindedness that comes from limited learning and the confidence that such individuals might project despite their narrow base of knowledge.
In Aquinas’s time, medieval Europe, many people had limited access to education, and the Church was the main source of knowledge, especially religious texts like the Bible. Aquinas, though a devout theologian, was well-versed in the works of Aristotle, among others, and was a proponent of using reason and multiple sources of knowledge to understand truth. He understood that relying solely on one book or perspective could lead to an incomplete or even distorted understanding of the world. His work often sought to balance the teachings of the Church with rational inquiry and the wisdom of various philosophical traditions, demonstrating his belief in a broad and nuanced pursuit of knowledge.
In a modern context, this quote resonates with the importance of being open-minded and well-read. Today, with a vast amount of information available at our fingertips, limiting oneself to a single book, ideology, or source can lead to an echo chamber effect, where one only reinforces their existing beliefs rather than challenging and expanding them. For example, someone who relies solely on one news source or subscribes strictly to one ideology may struggle to understand the complexities of global issues. Aquinas’s warning encourages us to diversify our sources of knowledge, seek out different perspectives, and maintain a critical and inquisitive mindset.
