“Reason in man is rather like God in the world.”
- 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
“Reason in man is rather like God in the world.”
Explanation
Thomas Aquinas draws an analogy in this quote between reason in human beings and God’s role in the world. For Aquinas, reason is the guiding principle that helps humans understand, navigate, and order their lives. Similarly, God serves as the ultimate source of order and purpose in the world. Just as God is the supreme being that brings meaning and structure to all of creation, reason is the faculty that allows human beings to make sense of their experiences, discern right from wrong, and pursue a well-ordered life.
Aquinas was deeply influenced by Aristotelian philosophy, which placed a strong emphasis on the importance of reason. In his view, reason was a divine gift, setting humans apart from other creatures and enabling them to pursue knowledge and virtue. Aquinas saw God’s role as the sustainer of all that exists, the ultimate source of truth and order. By comparing reason to God, Aquinas suggests that reason is what brings divine order into the human experience, allowing individuals to align their actions with both natural and divine law. This connection emphasizes the significance of reason as a tool for understanding not only the material world but also one’s purpose and the divine plan.
In the modern world, Aquinas’s insight highlights the value of rational thinking and the potential of human reason to bring clarity and order to complex situations. Just as God is viewed as the source of ultimate wisdom and purpose, human reason can serve as a guide in making ethical choices, solving problems, and creating a better society. Whether in scientific inquiry, ethical decision-making, or personal growth, reason plays a crucial role in helping people find meaning and navigate the challenges of life. Aquinas’s analogy serves as a reminder of the divine quality of our rational abilities, encouraging us to use them wisely and purposefully, much like God’s creative and sustaining role in the world.
