Thomas Aquinas: 'Well-ordered self-love is right and natural.'

Well-ordered self-love is right and natural.

The quote by Thomas Aquinas, "Well-ordered self-love is right and natural," encapsulates an essential aspect of human nature and the pursuit of happiness. At a surface level, this quote simply implies that self-love, when properly balanced and aligned with reason and virtue, is both morally right and in accordance with our innate inclinations. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating a healthy sense of self-worth and taking care of oneself, while also recognizing the inherent interplay between love for oneself and love for others.To fully appreciate the significance of this quote, it is important to delve deeper into the concept of self-love and its implications. Self-love, as Aquinas suggests, is not synonymous with selfishness or egotism. Instead, it involves a harmonious integration of our physical, emotional, and intellectual well-being. It means appreciating and accepting ourselves as individuals, valuing our own worth, and prioritizing our well-being without infringing upon the well-being and rights of others.Contrary to common misconceptions, self-love is not a vice but rather a virtue when approached with a well-ordered mindset. It helps us establish healthy boundaries, recognize our own inherent dignity, and navigate the complexities of life with a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It allows us to recognize and honor our own needs and ambitions, enabling us to better contribute to the welfare of others. In essence, self-love serves as a foundation upon which we can build deeper connections and bring about positive change in the world.However, an unexpected philosophical concept that can be introduced to explore self-love further is that of "enlightened self-interest." This concept, often associated with philosophers such as Adam Smith and Ayn Rand, suggests that pursuing one's own self-interests can actually lead to the greater good of society as a whole. Interestingly, it resonates with Aquinas' notion of well-ordered self-love, albeit from a different perspective.Enlightened self-interest argues that when individuals pursue their own flourishing and happiness, they naturally align with the needs and well-being of others, fostering a harmonious and cooperative society. It recognizes that humans are driven by self-interest, but suggests that this self-interest, when tempered by reason and moral principles, can lead to overall societal progress. The pursuit of self-love, in this context, is not seen as a selfish act, but rather a catalyst for positive change.Comparing these two concepts, we can observe both similarities and distinctions. Both Aquinas and proponents of enlightened self-interest acknowledge the importance of self-love and self-interest. They recognize that humans are naturally inclined to prioritize their own well-being. However, while Aquinas emphasizes the necessity of a well-ordered approach to self-love rooted in morality and virtue, enlightened self-interest places more emphasis on rationality and self-interest as the driving forces behind positive individual and societal outcomes.Despite these differences, both concepts ultimately converge on the idea that self-love, when guided by reason and morality, can lead to human flourishing and the betterment of society. Whether we approach the topic from a theological or secular perspective, the underlying message remains the same: nurturing a well-ordered self-love is both natural and essential to living a fulfilling and purposeful life.In conclusion, Thomas Aquinas' quote, "Well-ordered self-love is right and natural," invites us to explore the profound implications of self-love and its role in our lives. It reminds us that taking care of ourselves is neither a selfish act nor contradictory to our moral obligations. Instead, understanding the importance of self-love, in its well-balanced and virtuous form, allows us to better contribute to the well-being of others and society as a whole. Both Aquinas' concept and the idea of enlightened self-interest shed light on the transformative power of self-love when embraced with reason, morality, and a broader perspective. By cultivating a well-ordered self-love, we can foster personal growth, strengthen relationships, and ultimately make a positive impact on the world around us.