Angel Quote by Thomas Aquinas
“There is, therefore, a more perfect intellectual life in the angels. In them the intellect does not proceed to self-knowledge from anything exterior, but knows itself through itself…”
About This Quote
Source Summa Theologica, Part I, Question 79, Article 1 (13th century)
Angels possess a pure intellect that knows itself without external input.
In simple terms: Angels know themselves directly.
Key Takeaway
Seek self‑knowledge beyond external validation.
Themes
philosophy
theology
metaphysics
Mood
contemplative
scholarly
Type
philosophical
theological
When to use this quote
- spiritual contemplation
- academic study
- meditation
Key Concepts
self‑knowledge
pure intellect
Questions to Reflect On
- Can humans approach self‑knowledge without external references?
- What limits our self‑understanding?
A Different Perspective
Human intellect is bound to sensory experience, unlike angels.
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