Accounts Quote by Thomas Aquinas
“It may well happen that what is in itself the more certain on account of the weakness of our intelligence, which is dazzled by the clearest objects of nature; as the owl is dazzled by the light of the sun. Hence the fact that some happen to doubt about articles of faith is not due to the uncertain nature of the truths, but to the weakness of human intelligence; yet the slenderest knowledge that may be obtained of the highest things is more desirable than the most certain knowledge obtained of lesser things...”
About This Quote
Source Summa Theologica, Part I, Question 1, Article 1 (c. 1274)
Human intellect is limited and can be misled by obvious truths, so doubt in faith stems from our weakness, not from the truth itself; seeking higher truths is more valuable than secure but lower knowledge.
In simple terms: Our mind can be fooled by obvious facts, so doubt in faith is due to limited intellect, not falsehood; aim for higher truths.
Key Takeaway
Pursue deeper understanding despite intellectual limits.
Themes
faith
knowledge
human limitation
epistemology
Mood
contemplative
inquisitive
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- religious study
- personal reflection
- academic debate
- ethical decision making
Key Concepts
theology
philosophy
cognitive bias
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we recognize when our intellect is being misled?
- What practices help us seek higher truths?
A Different Perspective
Even limited intellect can grasp some truths, so doubt may be reasonable.
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