Thomas Aquinas “Man should not consider his material possession his own, but as common to all, so as to share them without hesitation when others are in need.”
This quote from Thomas Aquinas, a medieval theologian and philosopher, refers to the idea of charity and the moral responsibility to assist those in need. “Man should not consider his material possession his own, but as common to all, so as to share them without hesitation when others are in need.” Here, Aquinas argues that material possessions should not be seen solely as personal property, but rather as resources to be shared with others, especially those in need.
This idea is closely tied to the Christian virtue of charity and the principle of compassion for the less fortunate. Aquinas, who was a devout Christian, believed that all goods ultimately come from God, and thus should be used in a way that aligns with God’s love and concern for all people, especially the needy. This quote can be understood as a call to generosity, suggesting that personal wealth should not be hoarded but rather shared willingly.
It reflects a view of society in which the common good is more important than individual wealth, and in which those who have more have a responsibility to help those who have less. This perspective has implications for how we understand concepts like charity, justice, and wealth, and it can be seen as a challenge to views that emphasize individual ownership and wealth accumulation without considering the needs of others.
