Thomas Aquinas, Two Precepts of Quotes

A collection of quotes by Thomas Aquinas, Two Precepts of .

Thomas Aquinas was a prominent philosopher and theologian born in 1225 in Roccasecca, Italy. He remains one of the most influential figures in the history of Western thought. Aquinas' philosophical works, in particular his synthesis of Aristotelian philosophy with Christian theology, transformed the medieval intellectual landscape.

At a young age, Aquinas joined the Dominican Order and studied under the renowned Albertus Magnus. He demonstrated exceptional intellectual abilities, and throughout his life, he dedicated himself to comprehending the nature of truth, the existence of God, and the relationship between faith and reason. A strong advocate for integrating philosophy and theology, Aquinas aimed to reconcile the Christian faith with the rationality of Aristotle’s philosophy.

Aquinas' most celebrated work is the Summa Theologica, a comprehensive compilation of theological and philosophical arguments. The Summa sought to address essential questions concerning human existence, ethics, morality, and the nature of God. It became an indispensable reference for scholars, theologians, and thinkers across centuries.

One of Aquinas' significant contributions was his articulation of the Two Precepts of natural law: the preservation of self and the preservation of the species. According to Aquinas, these precepts form the foundation of the moral order and are essential principles guiding human behavior. They reflect the inherent human inclination towards self-preservation and the perpetuation of the human race.

Aquinas' philosophical ideas profoundly influenced subsequent generations and continue to shape theological and philosophical discourse to this day. He died in 1274 and was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 1323.