Happiness Quote by Thomas Aquinas
“Man cannot live without joy; therefore when he is deprived of true spiritual joys it is necessary that he become addicted to carnal pleasures.”
About This Quote
Source Summa Theologiae, Part I, Question 71, Article 3
True spiritual joy is essential; lacking it drives people toward excessive bodily pleasures as a substitute.
In simple terms: Spiritual joy is vital; without it, people turn to physical indulgence.
Key Takeaway
Seek lasting spiritual fulfillment, not fleeting sensual gratification.
Themes
spirituality
joy
desire
ethics
Mood
contemplative
serious
reflective
Type
philosophical
ethical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- personal crisis
- addiction recovery
- spiritual counseling
- ethical decision making
Key Concepts
theology
human nature
pleasure principle
Questions to Reflect On
- How can one cultivate deeper spiritual joy?
- What alternatives to sensual pleasure can satisfy the soul?
A Different Perspective
Spiritual joy may be hard to attain in modern life, leading to reliance on material comforts.
![“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)
