Thomas Aquinas: 'To live well is to work well, to show a good activity.'

To live well is to work well, to show a good activity.

In his profound wisdom, Thomas Aquinas once said, "To live well is to work well, to show a good activity." This quote holds a succinct yet powerful message about the significance of leading a purposeful life. At first glance, one might interpret the quote as a simple assertion that engaging in meaningful work contributes to a fulfilling existence. However, when delving deeper, we can explore a fascinating philosophical concept that sheds new light on Aquinas's words: the interconnectedness of virtue ethics and eudaimonia.To summarize, Aquinas suggests that a life well-lived is one in which individuals not only work diligently but also demonstrate virtuous behavior through their actions. Here, work encompasses not only professional endeavors but all forms of activity that one engages in. From fulfilling career pursuits to everyday responsibilities, Aquinas emphasizes the importance of integrating virtuous qualities into one's life, making it not just productive but also morally upright. Beneath the surface of this seemingly simple quote, we can uncover a wealth of philosophical insights.To further understand the depth of Aquinas's quote, let us introduce the concept of virtue ethics. Rooted in the teachings of ancient Greek philosophers, virtue ethics focuses on developing moral virtues within oneself as a means to living a good life. According to Aristotle, one of the prominent proponents of virtue ethics, it is through the cultivation of virtues that individuals can attain eudaimonia, often translated as "flourishing" or "human flourishing."In the realm of virtue ethics, virtues are understood as excellent character traits that guide individuals toward moral goodness. They include qualities such as honesty, compassion, courage, and temperance. When applied to Aquinas's quote, we can discern a connection between his notion of "showing a good activity" and the idea of virtuous behavior as the guiding principle for a life well-lived. In essence, Aquinas accentuates the significance of aligning one's actions with virtuous values, ultimately contributing to the pursuit of eudaimonia.To contrast this perspective, we can briefly examine a different philosophical viewpoint known as consequentialism. Unlike virtue ethics, consequentialism evaluates the moral worth of an action based on its outcomes rather than the inherent virtues it promotes. Utilitarianism, a consequentialist theory, asserts that the goodness or ethicality of an action is determined by its ability to bring about the greatest overall happiness or well-being for the most number of people.Taking a step back, we can observe that Aquinas's quote implicitly diverges from a consequentialist point of view. While consequentialism focuses on the outcome or consequences of an action, Aquinas emphasizes the importance of the action itself - the "showing" or manifestation of virtuous activity. By prioritizing virtuous behavior over the potential outcome, Aquinas highlights the intrinsic value of ethics and virtues in one's daily endeavors.Through this nuanced comparison, we gain a deeper appreciation for Aquinas's words and the philosophical concepts they align with. By echoing the principles of virtue ethics and eudaimonia, Aquinas reminds us that a life well-lived is not solely determined by the results we achieve but rather by the virtuous qualities we embody throughout our actions and interactions.In conclusion, Thomas Aquinas's quote, "To live well is to work well, to show a good activity," encapsulates the notion that a purposeful and fulfilling life is one in which individuals exhibit virtuous behavior in all aspects of their existence. By intertwining the principles of virtue ethics and eudaimonia, Aquinas reinforces the importance of aligning our actions with values that go beyond mere productivity or outcomes. Such a perspective provokes us to reflect on the moral fabric of our lives and to strive for a harmonious combination of meaningful work and virtuous conduct in our pursuit of a life well-lived.