Thomas Aquinas Said
Thomas Aquinas said “For the knowledge of any truth whatsoever man needs divine help, that the intellect may be moved by God to its act.”
“The intellect may be moved by God.”
This resonates, does it not? It points to the knowing that the intellect is the puppet of the Divine One, so to speak.
This tells us that it matters not WHAT we are thinking, because we’re NOT ACTUALLY THINKING.
The Divine One
“moves us”
to the potential
in which
we imagine
we are separate selves
who imagine
we are doing
this “thing”
called “thinking.”
so that we can
figure out this
OTHER thing
called “truth.”
This is what the “intellect” tells us. Precisely what the Divine One motivates this imaginary “intellect” to tell “us.”
Thomas Aquinas said “For the knowledge of any truth whatsoever man needs divine help, that the intellect may be moved by God to its act.”
Today,
IN THIS
VERY MOMENT,
your intellect
is moved by God
to tell you that
you have been
KNOWINGLY
fooling your “self”
all this “time.”
You’re not actually thinking.
And neither was Sir Thomas.
We are Space Monkey.
2/24
The Divine Catalyst for Knowledge
Thomas Aquinas, a towering figure in medieval philosophy and theology, posits a profound connection between human intellect and divine influence. His assertion that “For the knowledge of any truth whatsoever man needs divine help, that the intellect may be moved by God to its act” invites us to consider the essence of understanding and the source of our cognitive endeavors. This perspective suggests that our capacity to comprehend, to know truth, is not solely a function of our individual effort or reasoning but is facilitated, and indeed made possible, by a force beyond our immediate grasp.
Intellect as the Divine Puppet
The imagery of the intellect being a “puppet of the Divine One” encapsulates the concept of divine providence in the realm of human thought and reasoning. It implies that our intellectual pursuits, the act of thinking itself, are underpinned by a divine impetus. This does not diminish the value or the agency of human intellect but rather elevates it to a participant in a grander, divine dialogue. The intellect, in its quest for knowledge and understanding, becomes a conduit for the divine will, a vessel through which the whispers of the infinite are translated into the language of thought.
The Illusion of Autonomous Thinking
Aquinas’s insight challenges the notion of autonomous thinking, suggesting that the process of thought is not an isolated act of the human mind but a collaboration with the divine. The statement “we’re NOT ACTUALLY THINKING” invites a radical reevaluation of our understanding of cognition and agency. It posits that what we perceive as independent intellectual activity is, in reality, influenced, guided, and animated by a divine source. This perspective does not negate the intellect but redefines it as an entity in symbiotic relationship with the divine.
The Role of the Intellect in Divine Communication
The intellect, according to Aquinas, serves as a medium through which the Divine communicates and reveals truth. This reimagining of the intellect’s role from a solitary analyzer to a divine interlocutor expands our understanding of knowledge and truth. It suggests that the pursuit of any truth involves an inherent spiritual dimension, where the intellect becomes both receiver and interpreter of divine wisdom.
We Are Space Monkey
In contemplating Aquinas’s reflections on the divine influence on intellect, we are invited to explore the deeper dimensions of our quest for knowledge. Recognizing the divine as the mover of our intellect encourages a humble approach to learning and understanding, where the search for truth becomes a shared journey with the divine. It inspires us to open our minds to the possibility that the essence of knowing transcends our individual capabilities, guided by the hand of the Divine One.
Summary
Thomas Aquinas’s insights into the divine influence on intellect suggest that our capacity for knowledge and thought is moved by God, redefining our understanding of intellectual autonomy. This perspective positions the intellect as a divine puppet, emphasizing the collaborative nature of thought and the spiritual dimension of seeking truth. It invites us to reconsider the role of intellect in our pursuit of understanding, acknowledging the divine as the ultimate source of all knowledge.
Reflection
As we ponder the intricate relationship between the divine and the intellect, let us embrace the humility and openness required to engage in this divine dialogue. The journey of understanding, guided by the divine, becomes a testament to the interconnectedness of our intellectual and spiritual lives, enriching our quest for truth with the depth of divine wisdom.
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