Thomas Aquinas: 'The things that we love tell us what we are.'

The things that we love tell us what we are.

The quote by Thomas Aquinas, "The things that we love tell us what we are," encapsulates a profound truth about human nature. It suggests that the choices we make regarding the objects, activities, and people we hold dear provide valuable insights into the essence of our being. In a straightforward interpretation, Aquinas urges us to pay attention to our loves and passions, as they reveal our true character and values. This viewpoint underscores the importance of self-reflection and understanding in shaping one's identity. However, let us delve deeper into this concept and explore an unexpected philosophical perspective that sheds light on the complexity of human nature.One philosophical concept that intersects with Aquinas's quote is the idea of existentialism. Existentialism emphasizes each individual's freedom and responsibility to create their own meaning and purpose in life. This perspective embraces the notion that our choices ultimately define who we are. From an existentialist lens, the things we love hold immense significance as they reflect the conscious decisions we make to find meaning in an otherwise chaotic world.When examining Aquinas' quote through an existentialist lens, we gain new insight into the complexity of human identity. It suggests that our loves not only define us but also shape our unique path and existence. While Aquinas emphasizes the inherent nature of our loves, existentialism reminds us that we have the power to mold and redefine ourselves through our choices. This philosophical concept adds an intriguing layer of depth to Aquinas' quote by expanding the understanding of the relationship between our loves, our identity, and our agency.To better illustrate this perspective, let us consider an example. Suppose a person deeply loves art and spends their free time immersing themselves in museums, studying various art forms, and even creating their own art pieces. Aquinas might argue that this person's love for art reveals their innate appreciation for beauty and creativity, giving us a glimpse into their character. However, when viewed through the lens of existentialism, we could further interpret this individual's choice as an active pursuit of meaning and self-expression. They have consciously chosen to connect with art as a way to shape their identity, find purpose, and make sense of the world.In contrast, someone else may passionately love philanthropy, dedicating their time and resources to helping others. Aquinas would posit that this person's love for philanthropy tells us about their selflessness and compassion. However, when examined through an existentialist perspective, we see an individual who actively chooses to make a difference in the world. Their love for philanthropy demonstrates a conscious decision to prioritize the well-being of others, reaffirming their identity as a compassionate and empathetic person.What is striking about Aquinas' quote is that it aligns with the existentialist belief in personal responsibility and autonomy. It suggests that while our loves may provide clues to our essence, it is ultimately our choices that define us. This presents a fascinating dialogue between these philosophical concepts, offering a broader view of how our loves and actions shape our identity.In conclusion, Thomas Aquinas' quote, "The things that we love tell us what we are," imparts timeless wisdom about human nature. It reminds us to reflect upon our likes, passions, and cherished relationships as they reveal insights into our true character and values. However, when we introduce the philosophical concept of existentialism, we gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity of human identity. It expands our understanding by emphasizing the significance of personal agency, responsibility, and the power of conscious choice in shaping who we are. By considering both perspectives, we embark on a fascinating journey of self-discovery, illuminating the intricate interplay between our loves, our actions, and our unique existence.