Able Quote by Thomas Aquinas
“If you seek patience, you will find no better example than the cross. Great patience occurs in two ways: either when one patiently suffers much, or when one suffers things which one is able to avoid and yet does not avoid. Christ endured much on the cross, and did so patiently, because when he suffered he did not threaten; he was led like a sheep to the slaughter and he did not open his mouth.”
About This Quote
Source Summa Theologiae, Part I, Question 1, Article 2
Patience is exemplified by Christ’s suffering without protest, showing two modes: enduring unavoidable pain and refraining from avoiding it.
In simple terms: Christ’s calm suffering teaches true patience.
Key Takeaway
Embrace suffering without complaint.
Themes
patience
faith
endurance
Mood
reflective
solemn
Type
spiritual
ethical
When to use this quote
- personal grief
- spiritual trials
- ethical decision making
Key Concepts
theology
virtue ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance patient endurance with active change?
- When is suffering justified?
A Different Perspective
Patience may be romanticized, overlooking the cost of passive acceptance.
![“[J]udges, therefore, should be always men of learning and experience in the laws, of exemplary morals, great patience, calmness, coolness, and attention. Their minds should not be distracted with jarring interests; they should not be dependent upon any man, or body of men.” quote by John Adams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/476/john-adams-529_attention_j-udges-therefore-should-be-always-men-o_1654364.jpg)
![“By the divine providence [animals] are intended for man's use... Hence it is not wrong for man to make use of them, either by killing or in any other way whatsoever.” quote by Thomas Aquinas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f48/thomas-aquinas-837_animal_by-the-divine-providence-animals-are-int_112669.jpg)
