Thomas Aquinas: 'We can't have full knowledge all at once. We must start by believing; then afterwards we may be led on to master the evidence for ourselves.'

We can't have full knowledge all at once. We must start by believing; then afterwards we may be led on to master the evidence for ourselves.

In the world of philosophical musings, Thomas Aquinas has left an indelible mark with his profound insights. One such quote that resonates deeply is, "We can't have full knowledge all at once. We must start by believing; then afterwards we may be led on to master the evidence for ourselves." At first glance, this quote emphasizes the fundamental nature of belief and the gradual acquisition of knowledge. Aquinas highlights the importance of embracing a belief as a stepping stone towards an in-depth understanding of the world around us. This idea inherently acknowledges the limitations of immediate knowledge and the necessity of a gradual process of personal exploration and discovery.Aquinas' quote suggests that the human quest for knowledge is an evolving and lifelong journey. It highlights the need for an initial leap of faith or belief, recognizing that we are not capable of comprehending everything instantaneously. Instead, it encourages an open-minded approach where we embrace certain beliefs or concepts before embarking on the pursuit of mastering the evidence ourselves. Aquinas implies that this process is not only natural but indispensable in our pursuit of knowledge.The underlying significance of this quote lies in its acknowledgment of the human condition. Being finite beings, it is simply impossible for us to possess all-encompassing knowledge at any given moment. Aquinas reminds us that this limitation should not discourage us but instead motivate us to persistently seek understanding and explore the world through various lenses.Now, in delving deeper into this thought-provoking quote, let us introduce an unexpected philosophical concept - existentialism. Existentialism, introduced by thinkers like Søren Kierkegaard and Jean-Paul Sartre, takes a different approach to knowledge and belief. Unlike Aquinas, existentialism argues that belief, especially when imposed externally, can hinder genuine exploration and understanding. Existentialism suggests that individuals should rely on their own authentic experiences and subjective perspectives to shape their worldview.In contrast to Aquinas' emphasis on embracing belief before seeking evidence, existentialism prioritizes personal inquiry and individual interpretation. In existentialism, the idea of starting with belief can be perceived as an external imposition that limits one's ability to explore truth on their own terms. It argues that individuals should strive for autonomy and rely on their own experiences to navigate the complexities of knowledge.Despite this contrast, Aquinas' quote and existentialism share a common thread - the recognition of the temporal nature of knowledge acquisition and the importance of embracing uncertainty. Aquinas' perspective encourages individuals to initially believe in something, allowing them to embark on a path of inquiry and mastery of evidence. Existentialism, on the other hand, promotes the exploration of personal experiences as a means to understand the world. Both approaches recognize the transformative nature of knowledge and highlight the indispensability of an open and inquisitive mind.In conclusion, Thomas Aquinas' quote, "We can't have full knowledge all at once. We must start by believing; then afterwards we may be led on to master the evidence for ourselves," encapsulates the fundamental nature of the human quest for knowledge. It urges us to embrace belief as a starting point, acknowledging our limitations while propelling us towards a deeper understanding. While existentialism offers an alternate perspective, focusing on individual experiences and interpretations, both approaches illuminate the importance of a gradual and personal journey towards knowledge and truth. Ultimately, Aquinas' words remind us that the pursuit of knowledge is an ever-evolving endeavor, where belief acts as a catalyst for a lifelong pursuit of understanding.