Happiness is secured through virtue; it is a good attained by man's own will

Happiness is secured through virtue; it is a good attained by man's own will

Thomas Aquinas, a prominent theologian and philosopher of the medieval period, believed that happiness is secured through virtue and is a good attained by man's own will. This idea is central to Aquinas' ethical theory, which emphasizes the importance of living a virtuous life in order to achieve true happiness.

According to Aquinas, happiness is the ultimate goal of human life, and it is only through the cultivation of virtue that one can truly attain this goal. Virtue, in Aquinas' view, is a habit of the soul that enables a person to act in accordance with reason and to choose the good in all things. By developing virtuous habits and living a life of moral excellence, one can achieve a state of happiness that is lasting and fulfilling.

Aquinas believed that happiness is not something that can be achieved through external goods or material possessions, but rather is an internal state of being that is the result of living a life of virtue. He argued that true happiness is found in the pursuit of moral excellence and the fulfillment of one's potential as a human being.

In order to achieve happiness, Aquinas believed that one must cultivate the cardinal virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance, as well as the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity. By living a life guided by these virtues, one can achieve a state of happiness that is not dependent on external circumstances or fleeting pleasures.

Aquinas' emphasis on the importance of virtue in achieving happiness is a timeless and universal truth that resonates with people of all cultures and beliefs. In a world that is often focused on material wealth and instant gratification, Aquinas' words serve as a reminder that true happiness is found in living a life of moral excellence and striving to be the best version of ourselves.