“Happiness is secured through virtue; it is a good attained by man’s own will.”
- 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
“Happiness is secured through virtue; it is a good attained by man’s own will.”
Explanation
Thomas Aquinas emphasizes that true happiness is achieved through the cultivation of virtue and is ultimately a product of one’s own choices and actions. According to Aquinas, happiness is not merely the pursuit of pleasure or the fulfillment of desires but rather the outcome of living virtuously—acting in accordance with moral principles and aligning one’s life with reason and goodness. He suggests that happiness is not something that happens by chance; it is a deliberate pursuit that comes from the consistent practice of virtues like temperance, justice, courage, and prudence.
Aquinas was influenced by Aristotle’s philosophy, which also viewed eudaimonia (happiness or flourishing) as the ultimate goal of human life, achieved by living in accordance with virtue. Aquinas incorporated this idea into his Christian worldview, arguing that living virtuously is in harmony with God’s will and leads to fulfillment in both earthly and spiritual terms. For Aquinas, virtues are not just rules to follow; they are habits of the soul that help individuals become the best version of themselves, allowing them to live in accordance with their higher purpose. The deliberate practice of virtue enables a person to align their will with what is truly good, thereby attaining authentic happiness.
In the modern world, this quote offers valuable insight into the pursuit of fulfillment and meaning. Today, many people search for happiness through material gains or instant gratification, but Aquinas’s wisdom reminds us that true happiness is not about external conditions but about inner character and moral integrity. It is found in the consistent effort to make good choices, develop good habits, and act in ways that promote both personal and communal well-being. Aquinas’s message encourages us to recognize that happiness comes from our own actions and willpower—it is a reward for striving to live virtuously and in alignment with what is truly meaningful, rather than simply following fleeting desires or seeking temporary pleasures.
