“If the highest aim of a captain were to preserve his ship, he would keep it in port forever.”
- 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
“If the highest aim of a captain were to preserve his ship, he would keep it in port forever.”
Explanation
Thomas Aquinas uses this analogy to emphasize the importance of taking risks and embracing challenges in pursuit of a greater purpose. The captain in this quote represents someone in a position of responsibility, and the ship symbolizes anything of value that one is tasked with protecting. Aquinas suggests that if the captain’s main concern were simply to keep the ship safe, he would never leave the harbor. However, the true purpose of a ship is to sail, to face the uncertainties of the sea, and to fulfill its mission. In the same way, individuals and leaders must understand that the highest aim is not simply to avoid risk or protect what they have, but to take action, achieve goals, and pursue higher aims.
Aquinas’s point is a critique of over-cautiousness and the tendency to prioritize safety over progress or growth. He understood that while preserving what we have is important, true fulfillment comes from using one’s skills and resources to achieve something meaningful. The ship, in this case, is not meant to remain idle—it was built to sail, face challenges, and accomplish its purpose. Likewise, humans are not meant to avoid all risk but to venture forth, grow, and use their gifts to make an impact, even when there are obstacles or dangers along the way.
In today’s context, this quote serves as a reminder to avoid letting fear or the desire for security prevent us from taking meaningful actions or pursuing our aspirations. Whether in personal development, relationships, business, or any area of life, true success and growth require stepping out of comfort zones and accepting some level of risk. Aquinas’s insight encourages us to focus on our purpose rather than solely on avoiding challenges, reminding us that the potential for greatness lies in action and courage, not in merely keeping safe and avoiding any form of adversity. It invites us to see risks as part of the journey and to understand that true fulfillment comes from pursuing our higher goals, even when doing so means facing the unknown.
