Better to illuminate than merely to shine, to deliver to others contemplated truths than merely to contemplate

Better to illuminate than merely to shine, to deliver to others contemplated truths than merely to contemplate

Thomas Aquinas, a prominent theologian and philosopher of the medieval period, believed in the importance of not only acquiring knowledge but also sharing it with others. His famous quote, "Better to illuminate than merely to shine, to deliver to others contemplated truths than merely to contemplate," encapsulates his belief that true wisdom lies in not just understanding the world around us, but in helping others to understand it as well.

Aquinas was a firm believer in the power of education and the dissemination of knowledge. He believed that it was not enough to simply possess knowledge; one must also use that knowledge to enlighten others. In his view, true wisdom is not selfishly hoarded but shared with others for the betterment of society as a whole.

Aquinas was a prolific writer and teacher, and he dedicated much of his life to educating others about philosophy, theology, and ethics. He believed that by sharing his insights and teachings with others, he could help them to better understand the world and their place in it. He saw himself as a beacon of light, illuminating the path to truth for those who were willing to follow.

For Aquinas, contemplation was not enough. It was important to take that contemplation a step further and actively engage with others to share the truths that had been discovered. He believed that by doing so, one could not only deepen their own understanding but also help others to do the same.