“Man cannot live without joy; therefore when he is deprived of true spiritual joys it is necessary that he become addicted to carnal pleasures.”
- 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
“Man cannot live without joy; therefore when he is deprived of true spiritual joys it is necessary that he become addicted to carnal pleasures.”
Explanation
Thomas Aquinas emphasizes the essential human need for joy and suggests that when people are deprived of spiritual fulfillment, they often turn to carnal or physical pleasures to fill that void. Aquinas argues that joy is a fundamental aspect of human life, and without it, people will seek substitutes that provide temporary relief, even if those substitutes are ultimately shallow or even harmful. When individuals lack spiritual joy—the sense of fulfillment that comes from living in accordance with a higher purpose, experiencing inner peace, and having a meaningful connection to God—they may become vulnerable to seeking physical pleasures as a way to compensate for that absence.
Aquinas’s view reflects his understanding of the human condition: he believed that humans are made for transcendent and spiritual fulfillment, which brings about the deepest and most meaningful joy. However, when deprived of this connection to the divine, people often look to more material or sensory pleasures, such as indulgence in food, drink, or physical gratification, in an attempt to satisfy their inner longing. Aquinas saw this behavior as a natural consequence of the soul seeking something to fill the emptiness, even if the replacement is ultimately fleeting and cannot provide true satisfaction.
In modern contexts, this quote remains relevant in understanding why people often turn to materialistic pursuits or immediate gratifications to cope with feelings of emptiness, disconnection, or lack of purpose. The prevalence of addictive behaviors, consumerism, or excessive pursuit of pleasure can be understood as an attempt to fill an emotional or spiritual void. Aquinas’s insight encourages individuals to seek true joy—a joy that is rooted in meaningful relationships, spiritual connection, and inner peace—rather than relying on temporary fixes that provide only momentary satisfaction. His words are a reminder of the importance of nurturing one’s spiritual life and seeking joy in ways that bring lasting fulfillment and align with a deeper sense of purpose.
