“Perfection of moral virtue does not wholly take away the passions, but regulates them.”
- 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
“Perfection of moral virtue does not wholly take away the passions, but regulates them.”
Explanation
Thomas Aquinas emphasizes that the goal of achieving moral virtue is not to eliminate human passions or emotions entirely but rather to bring them under the guidance of reason and self-control. According to Aquinas, passions—such as desire, anger, or fear—are natural aspects of the human condition and are not inherently wrong. Instead of trying to suppress these emotions, moral virtue involves regulating them so that they contribute positively to one’s behavior rather than leading to irrational or harmful actions. True virtue lies in the harmonious balance between emotions and rational control, ensuring that passions serve the pursuit of the good rather than lead one astray.
Aquinas was influenced by Aristotelian philosophy, particularly Aristotle’s emphasis on the “golden mean”, which advocates for moderation in all things. For Aquinas, virtue involves aligning one’s passions with reason so that they support rather than hinder moral decision-making. For example, courage involves feeling and managing fear appropriately, not the absence of fear altogether. Temperance involves enjoying pleasures in a balanced way rather than indulging excessively or avoiding them entirely. Aquinas believed that moral perfection is achieved when passions are properly ordered to serve the pursuit of a virtuous life, rather than when they are suppressed or eliminated.
In a modern context, this perspective is important for understanding the role of emotions in living a balanced and fulfilling life. Today, psychological well-being is often described as the ability to recognize, accept, and manage emotions effectively, rather than suppressing them. Aquinas’s insight encourages individuals to develop emotional intelligence—learning to understand their emotions, regulate them, and channel them in constructive ways. This approach recognizes that emotions are part of what makes us human and can be powerful motivators for positive action when properly understood and directed. By embracing and regulating our passions, we can live more authentically and in alignment with our deeper values and virtues.
