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The soul, which is the first principle of life, is not a…

“The soul, which is the first principle of life, is not a body, but the act of a body; just as heat, which is the principle of calefaction, is not a body, but an act of a body.” quote by Thomas Aquinas
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“The soul, which is the first principle of life, is not a body, but the act of a body; just as heat, which is the principle of calefaction, is not a body, but an act of a body.”

Thomas Aquinas

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The soul is defined as the active principle of a living body, not a material entity, similar to how heat is an activity, not a substance.

In simple terms: Soul is the active principle of life, not a body.

Key Takeaway

Understand life as dynamic activity, not static matter.

Themes

philosophy metaphysics life activity

Mood

contemplative academic

Type

theoretical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • biology
  • spirituality
  • physics

Key Concepts

act theory essentialism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does it mean for the soul to be an act?
  • How does this view affect views on life?
A Different Perspective

May overlook material aspects of existence.

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