Thomas Aquinas: 'Happiness is secured through virtue; it is a good attained by man's own will.'

Happiness is secured through virtue; it is a good attained by man's own will.

In his profound and insightful quote, Thomas Aquinas asserts that happiness is not a fleeting phenomenon that is subject to external circumstances or forces beyond our control. Rather, he suggests that true and lasting happiness is something that we can actively pursue and attain through the cultivation of virtue. This quote encapsulates one of Aquinas' key philosophical ideas, linking happiness and virtue together in a symbiotic relationship that ultimately empowers individuals to shape their own destinies.Aquinas places immense emphasis on the role of human agency in attaining happiness. According to him, happiness is not a passive state to be stumbled upon, but rather a result of deliberate actions and choices made by individuals. By implying that happiness is "secured through virtue," Aquinas implies that it is not determined by external factors such as material wealth, societal status, or possessions. Instead, true happiness arises through the cultivation of virtuous qualities within oneself.But what does Aquinas mean by "virtue"? In the context of his philosophy, virtue refers to the development of moral excellence and the adherence to ethical principles. It entails living a life guided by values such as compassion, integrity, justice, and temperance. By aligning our thoughts, actions, and intentions with these fundamental principles, we can transcend the limitations imposed by external circumstances and achieve a state of genuine happiness.Aquinas' perspective challenges the prevailing notion that our happiness is solely dependent on external factors beyond our control. It encourages us to shift our focus inward, recognizing the power of our own will in shaping our experiences and determining our overall happiness. This notion stands in sharp contrast to the conventional belief that our happiness is contingent upon external achievements, acquiring more material possessions, or gaining recognition from others.By emphasizing that happiness is a good attained by man's own will, Aquinas highlights the immense potential of human agency in our pursuit of happiness. This idea underscores the importance of personal responsibility and the need for intentional actions that align with our deepest values and convictions. It reminds us that we possess the capacity to transform our lives and find genuine fulfillment by cultivating virtuous qualities within ourselves.Drawing from these philosophical insights, it is worthwhile to consider the idea of negative virtues - qualities that hinder our pursuit of happiness. While virtue itself is typically associated with positive qualities, negative virtues represent the opposite spectrum. These are the habits and traits that impede our personal growth, hold us back, and prevent us from experiencing true happiness.Negative virtues, such as selfishness, dishonesty, greed, and cruelty, can inhibit our ability to cultivate genuine happiness. These traits act as roadblocks, leading us on a path of dissatisfaction, emptiness, and unhappiness. Recognizing and addressing these negative virtues requires self-reflection and a sincere commitment to transformation.Inherent in Aquinas' philosophy is the notion that happiness is not an end state that once achieved, remains constant. Instead, it is an ongoing process that necessitates a continuous effort to cultivate and sustain virtuous qualities throughout our lives. This perspective challenges us to embark on a lifelong journey of personal growth, introspection, and self-improvement.In conclusion, Thomas Aquinas' quote about happiness and virtue serves as a powerful reminder of the agency we possess to shape our own destinies. It highlights the crucial role of personal virtue in achieving true and lasting happiness, asserting that it is something within our own control and not dependent upon external circumstances. By embracing the concept of virtue and recognizing and addressing negative virtues, we can actively shape our life's trajectory and experience genuine fulfillment. Aquinas' philosophical insights continue to resonate today, providing profound guidance on how to navigate the complexities of human existence and find meaning and happiness on our individual journey.