PROLOGUE
Since,
as Damascene states (De Fide Orth. ii, 12), man is said to be made in
God's image, in so far as the image implies "an intelligent
being endowed with free-will and self-movement": now that we
have treated of the exemplar, i.e. God, and of those things which
came forth from the power of God in accordance with His will; it
remains for us to treat of His image, i.e. man, inasmuch as he too is
the principle of his actions, as having free-will and control of his
actions. OF
MAN'S LAST END(In
Eight Articles)In
this matter we shall consider first the last end of human life; and
secondly, those things by means of which man may advance towards this
end, or stray from the path: for the end is the rule of whatever is
ordained to the end. And since the last end of human life is stated
to be happiness, we must consider (1) the last end in general; (2)
happiness.Under
the first head there are eight points of inquiry:(1)
Whether it belongs to man to act for an end?(2)
Whether this is proper to the rational nature?(3)
Whether a man's actions are specified by their end?(4)
Whether there is any last end of human life?(5)
Whether one man can have several last ends?(6)
Whether man ordains all to the last end?(7)
Whether all men have the same last end?(8)
Whether all other creatures concur with man in that last end?
________________________FIRST
ARTICLE [I-II, Q. 1, Art. 1]Whether
It Belongs to Man to Act for an End?Objection
1: It would seem that it does not belong to man to act for an end.
For a cause is naturally first. But an end, in its very name, implies
something that is last. Therefore an end is not a cause. But that for
which a man acts, is the cause of his action; since this preposition
"for" indicates a relation of causality. Therefore it does
not belong to man to act for an end.Obj.
2: Further, that which is itself the last end is not for an end. But
in some cases the last end is an action, as the Philosopher states
(Ethic. i, 1). Therefore man does not do everything for an end.Obj.
3: Further, then does a man seem to act for an end, when he acts
deliberately. But man does many things without deliberation,
sometimes not even thinking of what he is doing; for instance when
one moves one's foot or hand, or scratches one's beard, while intent
on something else. Therefore man does not do everything for an end.On
the contrary, All
things contained in a genus are derived from the principle of that
genus. Now the end is the principle in human operations, as the
Philosopher states (Phys. ii, 9). Therefore it belongs to man to do
everything for an end.I
answer that, Of
actions done by man those alone are properly called "human,"
which are proper to man as man. Now man differs from irrational
animals in this, that he is master of his actions. Wherefore those
actions alone are properly called human, of which man is master. Now
man is master of his actions through his reason and will; whence,
too, the free-will is defined as "the faculty and will of
reason." Therefore those actions are properly called human which
proceed from a deliberate will. And if any other actions are found in
man, they can be called actions "of a man," but not
properly "human" actions, since they are not proper to man
as man. Now it is clear that whatever actions proceed from a power,
are caused by that power in accordance with the nature of its object.
But the object of the will is the end and the good. Therefore all
human actions must be for an end.Reply
Obj. 1: Although the end be last in the order of execution, yet it is
first in the order of the agent's intention. And it is this way that
it is a cause.Reply
Obj. 2: If any human action be the last end, it must be voluntary,
else it would not be human, as stated above. Now an action is
voluntary in one of two ways: first, because it is commanded by the
will, e.g. to walk, or to speak; secondly, because it is elicited by
the will, for instance the very act of willing. Now it is impossible
for the very act elicited by the will to be the last end. For the
object of the will is the end, just as the object of sight is color:
wherefore just as the first visible cannot be the act of seeing,
because every act of seeing is directed to a visible object; so the
first appetible, i.e. the end, cannot be the very act of willing.
Consequently it follows that if a human action be the last end, it
must be an action commanded by the will: so that there, some action
of man, at least the act of willing, is for the end. Therefore
whatever a man does, it is true to say that man acts for an end, even
when he does that action in which the last end consists.Reply
Obj. 3: Such like actions are not properly human actions; since they
do not proceed from deliberation of the reason, which is the proper
principle of human actions. Therefore they have indeed an imaginary
end, but not one that is fixed by reason. ________________________SECOND
ARTICLE [I-II, Q. 1, Art. 2]Whether
It Is Proper to the Rational Nature to Act for an End?Objection
1: It would seem that it is proper to the rational nature to act for
an end. For man, to whom it belongs to act for an end, never acts for
an unknown end. On the other hand, there are many things that have no
knowledge of an end; either because they are altogether without
knowledge, as insensible creatures: or because they do not apprehend
the idea of an end as such, as irrational animals. Therefore it seems
proper to the rational nature to act for an end.Obj.
2: Further, to act for an end is to order one's action to an end. But
this is the work of reason. Therefore it does not belong to things
that lack reason.Obj.
3: Further, the good and the end is the object of the will. But "the
will is in the reason" (De Anima iii, 9). Therefore to act for
an end belongs to none but a rational nature.On
the contrary, The
Philosopher proves (Phys. ii, 5) that "not only mind but also
nature acts for an end."I
answer that, Every
agent, of necessity, acts for an end. For if, in a number of causes
ordained to one another, the first be removed, the others must, of
necessity, be removed also. Now the first of all causes is the final
cause. The reason of which is that matter does not receive form, save
in so far as it is moved by an agent; for nothing reduces itself from
potentiality to act. But an agent does not move except out of
intention for an end. For if the agent were not determinate to some
particular effect, it would not do one thing rather than another:
consequently in order that it produce a determinate effect, it must,
of necessity, be determined to some certain one, which has the nature
of an end. And just as this determination is effected, in the
rational nature, by the "rational appetite," which is
called the will; so, in other things, it is caused by their natural
inclination, which is called the "natural appetite."Nevertheless
it must be observed that a thing tends to an end, by its action or
movement, in two ways: first, as a thing, moving itself to the end,
as man; secondly, as a thing moved by another to the end, as an arrow
tends to a determinate end through being moved by the archer who
directs his action to the end. Therefore those things that are
possessed of reason, move themselves to an end; because they have
dominion over their actions through their free-will, which is the
"faculty of will and reason." But those things that lack
reason tend to an end, by natural inclination, as being moved by
another and not by themselves; since they do not know the nature of
an end as such, and consequently cannot ordain anything to an end,
but can be ordained to an end only by another. For the entire
irrational nature is in comparison to God as an instrument to the
principal agent, as stated above (I, Q. 22, A. 2, ad 4; Q. 103, A. 1,
ad 3). Consequently it is proper to the rational nature to tend to an
end, as directing (agens)
and leading itself to the end: whereas it is proper to the irrational
nature to tend to an end, as directed or led by another, whether it
apprehend the end, as do irrational animals, or do not apprehend it,
as is the case of those things which are altogether void of
knowledge.Reply
Obj. 1: When a man of himself acts for an end, he knows the end: but
when he is directed or led by another, for instance, when he acts at
another's command, or when he is moved under another's compulsion, it
is not necessary that he should know the end. And it is thus with
irrational creatures.Reply
Obj. 2: To ordain towards an end belongs to that which directs itself
to an end: whereas to be ordained to an end belongs to that which is
directed by another to an end. And this can belong to an irrational
nature, but owing to some one possessed of reason. Reply Obj. 3: The
object of the will is the end and the good in universal. Consequently
there can be no will in those things that lack reason and intellect,
since they cannot apprehend the universal; but they have a natural
appetite or a sensitive appetite, determinate to some particular
good. Now it is clear that particular causes are moved by a universal
cause: thus the governor of a city, who intends the common good,
moves, by his command, all the particular departments of the city.
Consequently all things that lack reason are, of necessity, moved to
their particular ends by some rational will which extends to the
universal good, namely by the Divine will. ________________________THIRD
ARTICLE [I-II, Q. 1, Art. 3]Whether
Human Acts Are Specified by Their End?Objection
1: It would seem that human acts are not specified by their end. For
the end is an extrinsic cause. But everything is specified by an
intrinsic principle. Therefore human acts are not specified by their
end.Obj.
2: Further, that which gives a thing its species should exist before
it. But the end comes into existence afterwards. Therefore a human
act does not derive its species from the end.Obj.
3: Further, one thing cannot be in more than one species. But one and
the same act may happen to be ordained to various ends. Therefore the
end does not give the species to human acts.On
the contrary,
Augustine says (De Mor. Eccl. et Manich. ii, 13): "According as
their end is worthy of blame or praise so are our deeds worthy of
blame or praise."I
answer that, Each
thing receives its species in respect of an act and not in respect of
potentiality; wherefore things composed of matter and form are
established in their respective species by their own forms. And this
is also to be observed in proper movements. For since movements are,
in a way, divided into action and passion, each of these receives its
species from an act; action indeed from the act which is the
principle of acting, and passion from the act which is the terminus
of the movement. Wherefore heating, as an action, is nothing else
than a certain movement proceeding from heat, while heating as a
passion is nothing else than a movement towards heat: and it is the
definition that shows the specific nature. And either way, human
acts, whether they be considered as actions, or as passions, receive
their species from the end. For human acts can be considered in both
ways, since man moves himself, and is moved by himself. Now it has
been stated above (A. 1) that acts are called human, inasmuch as they
proceed from a deliberate will. Now the object of the will is the
good and the end. And hence it is clear that the principle of human
acts, in so far as they are human, is the end. In like manner it is
their terminus: for the human act terminates at that which the will
intends as the end; thus in natural agents the form of the thing
generated is conformed to the form of the generator. And since, as
Ambrose says (Prolog. super Luc.) "morality is said properly of
man," moral acts properly speaking receive their species from
the end, for moral acts are the same as human acts.Reply
Obj. 1: The end is not altogether extrinsic to the act, because it is
related to the act as principle or terminus; and thus it just this
that is essential to an act, viz. to proceed from something,
considered as action, and to proceed towards something, considered as
passion.Reply
Obj. 2: The end, in so far as it pre-exists in the intention,
pertains to the will, as stated above (A. 1, ad 1). And it is thus
that it gives the species to the human or moral act.Reply
Obj. 3: One and the same act, in so far as it proceeds once from the
agent, is ordained to but one proximate end, from which it has its
species: but it can be ordained to several remote ends, of which one
is the end of the other. It is possible, however, that an act which
is one in respect of its natural species, be ordained to several ends
of the will: thus this act "to kill a man," which is but
one act in respect of its natural species, can be ordained, as to an
end, to the safeguarding of justice, and to the satisfying of anger:
the result being that there would be several acts in different
species of morality: since in one way there will be an act of virtue,
in another, an act of vice. For a movement does not receive its
species from that which is its terminus accidentally, but only from
that which is its
per se terminus.
Now moral ends are accidental to a natural thing, and conversely the
relation to a natural end is accidental to morality. Consequently
there is no reason why acts which are the same considered in their
natural species, should not be diverse, considered in their moral
species, and conversely. ________________________FOURTH
ARTICLE [I-II, Q. 1, Art. 4]Whether
There Is One Last End of Human Life?Objection
1: It would seem that there is no last end of human life, but that we
proceed to infinity. For good is essentially diffusive, as Dionysius
states (Div. Nom. iv). Consequently if that which proceeds from good
is itself good, the latter must needs diffuse some other good: so
that the diffusion of good goes on indefinitely. But good has the
nature of an end. Therefore there is an indefinite series of ends.Obj.
2: Further, things pertaining to the reason can be multiplied to
infinity: thus mathematical quantities have no limit. For the same
reason the species of numbers are infinite, since, given any number,
the reason can think of one yet greater. But desire of the end is
consequent on the apprehension of the reason. Therefore it seems that
there is also an infinite series of ends.Obj.
3: Further, the good and the end is the object of the will. But the
will can react on itself an infinite number of times: for I can will
something, and will to will it, and so on indefinitely. Therefore
there is an infinite series of ends of the human will, and there is
no last end of the human will.On
the contrary, The
Philosopher says (Metaph. ii, 2) that "to suppose a thing to be
indefinite is to deny that it is good." But the good is that
which has the nature of an end. Therefore it is contrary to the
nature of an end to proceed indefinitely. Therefore it is necessary
to fix one last end.I
answer that,
Absolutely speaking, it is not possible to proceed indefinitely in
the matter of ends, from any point of view. For in whatsoever things
there is an essential order of one to another, if the first be
removed, those that are ordained to the first, must of necessity be
removed also. Wherefore the Philosopher proves (Phys. viii, 5) that
we cannot proceed to infinitude in causes of movement, because then
there would be no first mover, without which neither can the others
move, since they move only through being moved by the first mover.
Now there is to be observed a twofold order in ends—the order of
intention and the order of execution: and in either of these orders
there must be something first. For that which is first in the order
of intention, is the principle, as it were, moving the appetite;
consequently, if you remove this principle, there will be nothing to
move the appetite. On the other hand, the principle in execution is
that wherein operation has its beginning; and if this principle be
taken away, no one will begin to work. Now the principle in the
intention is the last end; while the principle in execution is the
first of the things which are ordained to the end. Consequently, on
neither side is it possible to go to infinity since if there were no
last end, nothing would be desired, nor would any action have its
term, nor would the intention of the agent be at rest; while if there
is no first thing among those that are ordained to the end, none
would begin to work at anything, and counsel would have no term, but
would continue indefinitely.On
the other hand, nothing hinders infinity from being in things that
are ordained to one another not essentially but accidentally; for
accidental causes are indeterminate. And in this way it happens that
there is an accidental infinity of ends, and of things ordained to
the end.Reply
Obj. 1: The very nature of good is that something flows from it, but
not that it flows from something else. Since, therefore, good has the
nature of end, and the first good is the last end, this argument does
not prove that there is no last end; but that from the end, already
supposed, we may proceed downwards indefinitely towards those things
that are ordained to the end. And this would be true if we considered
but the power of the First Good, which is infinite. But, since the
First Good diffuses itself according to the intellect, to which it is
proper to flow forth into its effects according to a certain fixed
form; it follows that there is a certain measure to the flow of good
things from the First Good from Which all other goods share the power
of diffusion. Consequently the diffusion of goods does not proceed
indefinitely but, as it is written (Wis. 11:21), God disposes all
things "in number, weight and measure."Reply
Obj. 2: In things which are of themselves, reason begins from
principles that are known naturally, and advances to some term.
Wherefore the Philosopher proves (Poster. i, 3) that there is no
infinite process in demonstrations, because there we find a process
of things having an essential, not an accidental, connection with one
another. But in those things which are accidentally connected,
nothing hinders the reason from proceeding indefinitely. Now it is
accidental to a stated quantity or number, as such, that quantity or
unity be added to it. Wherefore in such like things nothing hinders
the reason from an indefinite process.Reply
Obj. 3: This multiplication of acts of the will reacting on itself,
is accidental to the order of ends. This is clear from the fact that
in regard to one and the same end, the will reacts on itself
indifferently once or several times. ________________________FIFTH
ARTICLE [I-II, Q. 1, Art. 5]Whether
One Man Can Have Several Last Ends?Objection
1: It would seem possible for one man's will to be directed at the
same time to several things, as last ends. For Augustine says (De
Civ. Dei xix, 1) that some held man's last end to consist in four
things, viz. "in pleasure, repose, the gifts of nature, and
virtue." But these are clearly more than one thing. Therefore
one man can place the last end of his will in many things.Obj.
2: Further, things not in opposition to one another do not exclude
one another. Now there are many things which are not in opposition to
one another. Therefore the supposition that one thing is the last end
of the will does not exclude others.Obj.
3: Further, by the fact that it places its last end in one thing, the
will does not lose its freedom. But before it placed its last end in
that thing, e.g. pleasure, it could place it in something else, e.g.
riches. Therefore even after having placed his last end in pleasure,
a man can at the same time place his last end in riches. Therefore it
is possible for one man's will to be directed at the same time to
several things, as last ends.On
the contrary, That
in which a man rests as in his last end, is master of his affections,
since he takes therefrom his entire rule of life. Hence of gluttons
it is written (Phil. 3:19): "Whose god is their belly":
viz. because they place their last end in the pleasures of the belly.
Now according to Matt. 6:24, "No man can serve two masters,"
such, namely, as are not ordained to one another. Therefore it is
impossible for one man to have several last ends not ordained to one
another.I
answer that, It is
impossible for one man's will to be directed at the same time to
diverse things, as last ends. Three reasons may be assigned for this.
First, because, since everything desires its own perfection, a man
desires for his ultimate end, that which he desires as his perfect
and crowning good. Hence Augustine (De Civ. Dei xix, 1): "In
speaking of the end of good we mean now, not that it passes away so
as to be no more, but that it is perfected so as to be complete."
It is therefore necessary for the last end so to fill man's appetite,
that nothing is left besides it for man to desire. Which is not
possible, if something else be required for his perfection.
Consequently it is not possible for the appetite so to tend to two
things, as though each were its perfect good.The
second reason is because, just as in the process of reasoning, the
principle is that which is naturally known, so in the process of the
rational appetite, i.e. the will, the principle needs to be that
which is naturally desired. Now this must needs be one: since nature
tends to one thing only. But the principle in the process of the
rational appetite is the last end. Therefore that to which the will
tends, as to its last end, is one.The
third reason is because, since voluntary actions receive their
species from the end, as stated above (A. 3), they must needs receive
their genus from the last end, which is common to them all: just as
natural things are placed in a genus according to a common form.
Since, then, all things that can be desired by the will, belong, as
such, to one genus, the last end must needs be one. And all the more
because in every genus there is one first principle; and the last end
has the nature of a first principle, as stated above. Now as the last
end of man, simply as man, is to the whole human race, so is the last
end of any individual man to that individual. Therefore, just as of
all men there is naturally one last end, so the will of an individual
man must be fixed on one last end.Reply
Obj. 1: All these several objects were considered as one perfect good
resulting therefrom, by those who placed in them the last end.Reply
Obj. 2: Although it is possible to find several things which are not
in opposition to one another, yet it is contrary to a thing's perfect
good, that anything besides be required for that thing's perfection.Reply
Obj. 3: The power of the will does not extend to making opposites
exist at the same time. Which would be the case were it to tend to
several diverse objects as last ends, as has been shown above (ad 2).
________________________SIXTH
ARTICLE [I-II, Q. 1, Art. 6]Whether
Man Wills All, Whatsoever He Wills, for the Last End?Objection
1: It would seem that man does not will all, whatsoever he wills, for
the last end. For things ordained to the last end are said to be
serious matter, as being useful. But jests are foreign to serious
matter. Therefore what man does in jest, he ordains not to the last
end.Obj.
2: Further, the Philosopher says at the beginning of hisMetaphysics
(i. 2) that speculative science is sought for its own sake.Now
it cannot be said that each speculative science is the last
end.Therefore man
does not desire all, whatsoever he desires, for the lastend.Obj.
3: Further, whosoever ordains something to an end, thinks of that
end. But man does not always think of the last end in all that he
desires or does. Therefore man neither desires nor does all for the
last end.On
the contrary,
Augustine says (De Civ. Dei xix, 1): "That is the end of our
good, for the sake of which we love other things, whereas we love it
for its own sake."I
answer that, Man
must, of necessity, desire all, whatsoever he desires, for the last
end. This is evident for two reasons. First, because whatever man
desires, he desires it under the aspect of good. And if he desire it,
not as his perfect good, which is the last end, he must, of
necessity, desire it as tending to the perfect good, because the
beginning of anything is always ordained to its completion; as is
clearly the case in effects both of nature and of art. Wherefore
every beginning of perfection is ordained to complete perfection
which is achieved through the last end. Secondly, because the last
end stands in the same relation in moving the appetite, as the first
mover in other movements. Now it is clear that secondary moving
causes do not move save inasmuch as they are moved by the first
mover. Therefore secondary objects of the appetite do not move the
appetite, except as ordained to the first object of the appetite,
which is the last end.Reply
Obj. 1: Actions done jestingly are not directed to any external end;
but merely to the good of the jester, in so far as they afford him
pleasure or relaxation. But man's consummate good is his last end.Reply
Obj. 2: The same applies to speculative science; which is desired as
the scientist's good, included in complete and perfect good, which is
the ultimate end.Reply
Obj. 3: One need not always be thinking of the last end, whenever one
desires or does something: but the virtue of the first intention,
which was in respect of the last end, remains in every desire
directed to any object whatever, even though one's thoughts be not
actually directed to the last end. Thus while walking along the road
one needs not to be thinking of the end at every step.
________________________SEVENTH
ARTICLE [I-II, Q. 1, Art. 7]Whether
All Men Have the Same Last End?Objection
1: It would seem that all men have not the same last end.For
before all else the unchangeable good seems to be the last end
ofman. But some
turn away from the unchangeable good, by sinning.Therefore
all men have not the same last end.Obj.
2: Further, man's entire life is ruled according to his last end. If,
therefore, all men had the same last end, they would not have various
pursuits in life. Which is evidently false.Obj.
3: Further, the end is the term of action. But actions are of
individuals. Now although men agree in their specific nature, yet
they differ in things pertaining to individuals. Therefore all men
have not the same last end.On
the contrary,
Augustine says (De Trin. xiii, 3) that all men agree in desiring the
last end, which is happiness.I
answer that, We can
speak of the last end in two ways: first, considering only the aspect
of last end; secondly, considering the thing in which the aspect of
last end is realized. So, then, as to the aspect of last end, all
agree in desiring the last end: since all desire the fulfilment of
their perfection, and it is precisely this fulfilment in which the
last end consists, as stated above (A. 5). But as to the thing in
which this aspect is realized, all men are not agreed as to their
last end: since some desire riches as their consummate good; some,
pleasure; others, something else. Thus to every taste the sweet is
pleasant but to some, the sweetness of wine is most pleasant, to
others, the sweetness of honey, or of something similar. Yet that
sweet is absolutely the best of all pleasant things, in which he who
has the best taste takes most pleasure. In like manner that good is
most complete which the man with well disposed affections desires for
his last end.Reply
Obj. 1: Those who sin turn from that in which their last end really
consists: but they do not turn away from the intention of the last
end, which intention they mistakenly seek in other things.Reply
Obj. 2: Various pursuits in life are found among men by reason of the
various things in which men seek to find their last end.Reply
Obj. 3: Although actions are of individuals, yet their first
principle of action is nature, which tends to one thing, as stated
above (A. 5). ________________________EIGHTH
ARTICLE [I-II, Q. 1, Art. 8]Whether
Other Creatures Concur in That Last End?Objection
1: It would seem that all other creatures concur in man's last end.
For the end corresponds to the beginning. But man's beginning—i.e.
God—is also the beginning of all else. Therefore all other things
concur in man's last end.Obj.
2: Further, Dionysius says (Div. Nom. iv) that "God turns all
things to Himself as to their last end." But He is also man's
last end; because He alone is to be enjoyed by man, as Augustine says
(De Doctr. Christ. i, 5, 22). Therefore other things, too, concur in
man's last end.Obj.
3: Further, man's last end is the object of the will. But the object
of the will is the universal good, which is the end of all. Therefore
other things, too, concur in man's last end.On
the contrary, man's
last end is happiness; which all men desire, as Augustine says (De
Trin. xiii, 3, 4). But "happiness is not possible for animals
bereft of reason," as Augustine says (QQ. 83, qu. 5). Therefore
other things do not concur in man's last end.I
answer that, As the
Philosopher says (Phys. ii, 2), the end is twofold—the end "for
which" and the end "by which"; viz. the thing itself
in which is found the aspect of good, and the use or acquisition of
that thing. Thus we say that the end of the movement of a weighty
body is either a lower place as "thing," or to be in a
lower place, as "use"; and the end of the miser is money as
"thing," or possession of money as "use."If,
therefore, we speak of man's last end as of the thing which is the
end, thus all other things concur in man's last end, since God is the
last end of man and of all other things. If, however, we speak of
man's last end, as of the acquisition of the end, then irrational
creatures do not concur with man in this end. For man and other
rational creatures attain to their last end by knowing and loving
God: this is not possible to other creatures, which acquire their
last end, in so far as they share in the Divine likeness, inasmuch as
they are, or live, or even know.Hence
it is evident how the objections are solved: since happiness means
the acquisition of the last end. ________________________
QUESTION 2
OF
THOSE THINGS IN WHICH MAN'S HAPPINESS CONSISTS(In
Eight Articles)We
have now to consider happiness: and (1) in what it consists; (2) what
it is; (3) how we can obtain it.Concerning
the first there are eight points of inquiry:(1)
Whether happiness consists in wealth?(2)
Whether in honor?(3)
Whether in fame or glory?(4)
Whether in power?(5)
Whether in any good of the body?(6)
Whether in pleasure?(7)
Whether in any good of the soul?(8)
Whether in any created good? ________________________FIRST
ARTICLE [I-II, Q. 2, Art. 1]Whether
Man's Happiness Consists in Wealth?Objection
1: It would seem that man's happiness consists in wealth. For since
happiness is man's last end, it must consist in that which has the
greatest hold on man's affections. Now this is wealth: for it is
written (Eccles. 10:19): "All things obey money." Therefore
man's happiness consists in wealth.Obj.
2: Further, according to Boethius (De Consol. iii), happiness is "a
state of life made perfect by the aggregate of all good things."
Now money seems to be the means of possessing all things: for, as the
Philosopher says (Ethic. v, 5), money was invented, that it might be
a sort of guarantee for the acquisition of whatever man desires.
Therefore happiness consists in wealth.Obj.
3: Further, since the desire for the sovereign good never fails, it
seems to be infinite. But this is the case with riches more than
anything else; since "a covetous man shall not be satisfied with
riches" (Eccles. 5:9). Therefore happiness consists in wealth.On
the contrary, Man's
good consists in retaining happiness rather than in spreading it. But
as Boethius says (De Consol. ii), "wealth shines in giving
rather than in hoarding: for the miser is hateful, whereas the
generous man is applauded." Therefore man's happiness does not
consist in wealth.I
answer that, It is
impossible for man's happiness to consist in wealth. For wealth is
twofold, as the Philosopher says (Polit. i, 3), viz. natural and
artificial. Natural wealth is that which serves man as a remedy for
his natural wants: such as food, drink, clothing, cars, dwellings,
and such like, while artificial wealth is that which is not a direct
help to nature, as money, but is invented by the art of man, for the
convenience of exchange, and as a measure of things salable.Now
it is evident that man's happiness cannot consist in natural wealth.
For wealth of this kind is sought for the sake of something else,
viz. as a support of human nature: consequently it cannot be man's
last end, rather is it ordained to man as to its end. Wherefore in
the order of nature, all such things are below man, and made for him,
according to Ps. 8:8: "Thou hast subjected all things under his
feet."And
as to artificial wealth, it is not sought save for the sake of
natural wealth; since man would not seek it except because, by its
means, he procures for himself the necessaries of life. Consequently
much less can it be considered in the light of the last end.
Therefore it is impossible for happiness, which is the last end of
man, to consist in wealth.Reply
Obj. 1: All material things obey money, so far as the multitude of
fools is concerned, who know no other than material goods, which can
be obtained for money. But we should take our estimation of human
goods not from the foolish but from the wise: just as it is for a
person whose sense of taste is in good order, to judge whether a
thing is palatable.Reply
Obj. 2: All things salable can be had for money: not so spiritual
things, which cannot be sold. Hence it is written (Prov. 17:16):
"What doth it avail a fool to have riches, seeing he cannot buy
wisdom."Reply
Obj. 3: The desire for natural riches is not infinite: because they
suffice for nature in a certain measure. But the desire for
artificial wealth is infinite, for it is the servant of disordered
concupiscence, which is not curbed, as the Philosopher makes clear
(Polit. i, 3). Yet this desire for wealth is infinite otherwise than
the desire for the sovereign good. For the more perfectly the
sovereign good is possessed, the more it is loved, and other things
despised: because the more we possess it, the more we know it. Hence
it is written (Ecclus. 24:29): "They that eat me shall yet
hunger." Whereas in the desire for wealth and for whatsoever
temporal goods, the contrary is the case: for when we already possess
them, we despise them, and seek others: which is the sense of Our
Lord's words (John 4:13): "Whosoever drinketh of this water,"
by which temporal goods are signified, "shall thirst again."
The reason of this is that we realize more their insufficiency when
we possess them: and this very fact shows that they are imperfect,
and the sovereign good does not consist therein.
________________________SECOND
ARTICLE [I-II, Q. 2, Art. 2]Whether
Man's Happiness Consists in Honors?Objection
1: It would seem that man's happiness consists in honors. For
happiness or bliss is "the reward of virtue," as the
Philosopher says (Ethic. i, 9). But honor more than anything else
seems to be that by which virtue is rewarded, as the Philosopher says
(Ethic. iv, 3). Therefore happiness consists especially in honor.Obj.
2: Further, that which belongs to God and to persons of great
excellence seems especially to be happiness, which is the perfect
good. But that is honor, as the Philosopher says (Ethic. iv, 3).
Moreover, the Apostle says (1 Tim. 1:17): "To . . . the only God
be honor and glory." Therefore happiness consists in honor.Obj.
3: Further, that which man desires above all is happiness. But
nothing seems more desirable to man than honor: since man suffers
loss in all other things, lest he should suffer loss of honor.
Therefore happiness consists in honor.On
the contrary,
Happiness is in the happy. But honor is not in the honored, but
rather in him who honors, and who offers deference to the person
honored, as the Philosopher says (Ethic. i, 5). Therefore happiness
does not consist in honor.I
answer that, It is
impossible for happiness to consist in honor. For honor is given to a
man on account of some excellence in him; and consequently it is a
sign and attestation of the excellence that is in the person honored.
Now a man's excellence is in proportion, especially to his happiness,
which is man's perfect good; and to its parts, i.e. those goods by
which he has a certain share of happiness. And therefore honor can
result from happiness, but happiness cannot principally consist
therein.Reply
Obj. 1: As the Philosopher says (Ethic. i, 5), honor is not that
reward of virtue, for which the virtuous work: but they receive honor
from men by way of reward, "as from those who have nothing
greater to offer." But virtue's true reward is happiness itself,
for which the virtuous work: whereas if they worked for honor, it
would no longer be a virtue, but ambition.Reply
Obj. 2: Honor is due to God and to persons of great excellence as a
sign of attestation of excellence already existing: not that honor
makes them excellent.Reply
Obj. 3: That man desires honor above all else, arises from his
natural desire for happiness, from which honor results, as stated
above. Wherefore man seeks to be honored especially by the wise, on
whose judgment he believes himself to be excellent or happy.
________________________THIRD
ARTICLE [I-II, Q. 2, Art. 3]Whether
Man's Happiness Consists in Fame or Glory?Objection
1: It would seem that man's happiness consists in glory. For
happiness seems to consist in that which is paid to the saints for
the trials they have undergone in the world. But this is glory: for
the Apostle says (Rom. 8:18): "The sufferings of this time are
not worthy to be compared with the glory to come, that shall be
revealed in us." Therefore happiness consists in glory.Obj.
2: Further, good is diffusive of itself, as stated by Dionysius (Div.
Nom. iv). But man's good is spread abroad in the knowledge of others
by glory more than by anything else: since, according to Ambrose
[*Augustine, Contra Maxim. Arian. ii. 13], glory consists "in
being well known and praised." Therefore man's happiness
consists in glory.Obj.
3: Further, happiness is the most enduring good. Now this seems to be
fame or glory; because by this men attain to eternity after a
fashion. Hence Boethius says (De Consol. ii): "You seem to beget
unto yourselves eternity, when you think of your fame in future
time." Therefore man's happiness consists in fame or glory.On
the contrary,
Happiness is man's true good. But it happens that fame or glory is
false: for as Boethius says (De Consol. iii), "many owe their
renown to the lying reports spread among the people. Can anything be
more shameful? For those who receive false fame, must needs blush at
their own praise." Therefore man's happiness does not consist in
fame or glory.I
answer that, Man's
happiness cannot consist in human fame or glory. For glory consists
"in being well known and praised," as Ambrose [*Augustine,
Contra Maxim. Arian. ii, 13] says. Now the thing known is related to
human knowledge otherwise than to God's knowledge: for human
knowledge is caused by the things known, whereas God's knowledge is
the cause of the things known. Wherefore the perfection of human
good, which is called happiness, cannot be caused by human knowledge:
but rather human knowledge of another's happiness proceeds from, and,
in a fashion, is caused by, human happiness itself, inchoate or
perfect. Consequently man's happiness cannot consist in fame or
glory. On the other hand, man's good depends on God's knowledge as
its cause. And therefore man's beatitude depends, as on its cause, on
the glory which man has with God; according to Ps. 90:15, 16: "I
will deliver him, and I will glorify him; I will fill him with length
of days, and I will show him my salvation."Furthermore,
we must observe that human knowledge often fails, especially in
contingent singulars, such as are human acts. For this reason human
glory is frequently deceptive. But since God cannot be deceived, His
glory is always true; hence it is written (2 Cor. 10:18): "He .
. . is approved . . . whom God commendeth."Reply
Obj. 1: The Apostle speaks, then, not of the glory which is with men,
but of the glory which is from God, with His Angels. Hence it is
written (Mk. 8:38): "The Son of Man shall confess him in the
glory of His Father, before His angels" [*St. Thomas joins Mk.
8:38 with Luke 12:8 owing to a possible variant in his text, or to
the fact that he was quoting from memory].Reply
Obj. 2: A man's good which, through fame or glory, is in the
knowledge of many, if this knowledge be true, must needs be derived
from good existing in the man himself: and hence it presupposes
perfect or inchoate happiness. But if the knowledge be false, it does
not harmonize with the thing: and thus good does not exist in him who
is looked upon as famous. Hence it follows that fame can nowise make
man happy.Reply
Obj. 3: Fame has no stability; in fact, it is easily ruined by false
report. And if sometimes it endures, this is by accident. But
happiness endures of itself, and for ever. ________________________FOURTH
ARTICLE [I-II, Q. 2, Art. 4]Whether
Man's Happiness Consists in Power?Objection
1: It would seem that happiness consists in power. For all things
desire to become like to God, as to their last end and first
beginning. But men who are in power, seem, on account of the
similarity of power, to be most like to God: hence also in Scripture
they are called "gods" (Ex. 22:28), "Thou shalt not
speak ill of the gods." Therefore happiness consists in power.Obj.
2: Further, happiness is the perfect good. But the highest perfection
for man is to be able to rule others; which belongs to those who are
in power. Therefore happiness consists in power.Obj.
3: Further, since happiness is supremely desirable, it is contrary to
that which is before all to be shunned. But, more than aught else,
men shun servitude, which is contrary to power. Therefore happiness
consists in power.On
the contrary,
Happiness is the perfect good. But power is most imperfect. For as
Boethius says (De Consol. iii), "the power of man cannot relieve
the gnawings of care, nor can it avoid the thorny path of anxiety":
and further on: "Think you a man is powerful who is surrounded
by attendants, whom he inspires with fear indeed, but whom he fears
still more?"I
answer that, It is
impossible for happiness to consist in power; and this for two
reasons. First because power has the nature of principle, as is
stated in Metaph.
v, 12, whereas happiness has the nature of last end. Secondly,
because power has relation to good and evil: whereas happiness is
man's proper and perfect good. Wherefore some happiness might consist
in the good use of power, which is by virtue, rather than in power
itself.Now
four general reasons may be given to prove that happiness consists in
none of the foregoing external goods. First, because, since happiness
is man's supreme good, it is incompatible with any evil. Now all the
foregoing can be found both in good and in evil men. Secondly,
because, since it is the nature of happiness to "satisfy of
itself," as stated in
Ethic. i, 7, having
gained happiness, man cannot lack any needful good. But after
acquiring any one of the foregoing, man may still lack many goods
that are necessary to him; for instance, wisdom, bodily health, and
such like. Thirdly, because, since happiness is the perfect good, no
evil can accrue to anyone therefrom. This cannot be said of the
foregoing: for it is written (Eccles. 5:12) that "riches"
are sometimes "kept to the hurt of the owner"; and the same
may be said of the other three. Fourthly, because man is ordained to
happiness through principles that are in him; since he is ordained
thereto naturally. Now the four goods mentioned above are due rather
to external causes, and in most cases to fortune; for which reason
they are called goods of fortune. Therefore it is evident that
happiness nowise consists in the foregoing.Reply
Obj. 1: God's power is His goodness: hence He cannot use His power
otherwise than well. But it is not so with men. Consequently it is
not enough for man's happiness, that he become like God in power,
unless he become like Him in goodness also.Reply
Obj. 2: Just as it is a very good thing for a man to make good use of
power in ruling many, so is it a very bad thing if he makes a bad use
of it. And so it is that power is towards good and evil.Reply
Obj. 3: Servitude is a hindrance to the good use of power: therefore
is it that men naturally shun it; not because man's supreme good
consists in power. ________________________FIFTH
ARTICLE [I-II, Q. 2, Art. 5]Whether
Man's Happiness Consists in Any Bodily Good?Objection
1: It would seem that man's happiness consists in bodily goods. For
it is written (Ecclus. 30:16): "There is no riches above the
riches of the health of the body." But happiness consists in
that which is best. Therefore it consists in the health of the body.Obj.
2: Further, Dionysius says (Div. Nom. v), that "to be" is
better than "to live," and "to live" is better
than all that follows. But for man's being and living, the health of
the body is necessary. Since, therefore, happiness is man's supreme
good, it seems that health of the body belongs more than anything
else to happiness.Obj.
3: Further, the more universal a thing is, the higher the principle
from which it depends; because the higher a cause is, the greater the
scope of its power. Now just as the causality of the efficient cause
consists in its flowing into something, so the causality of the end
consists in its drawing the appetite. Therefore, just as the First
Cause is that which flows into all things, so the last end is that
which attracts the desire of all. But being itself is that which is
most desired by all. Therefore man's happiness consists most of all
in things pertaining to his being, such as the health of the body.On
the contrary, Man
surpasses all other animals in regard to happiness. But in bodily
goods he is surpassed by many animals; for instance, by the elephant
in longevity, by the lion in strength, by the stag in fleetness.
Therefore man's happiness does not consist in goods of the body.I
answer that, It is
impossible for man's happiness to consist in the goods of the body;
and this for two reasons. First, because, if a thing be ordained to
another as to its end, its last end cannot consist in the
preservation of its being. Hence a captain does not intend as a last
end, the preservation of the ship entrusted to him, since a ship is
ordained to something else as its end, viz. to navigation. Now just
as the ship is entrusted to the captain that he may steer its course,
so man is given over to his will and reason; according to Ecclus.
15:14: "God made man from the beginning and left him in the hand
of his own counsel." Now it is evident that man is ordained to
something as his end: since man is not the supreme good. Therefore
the last end of man's reason and will cannot be the preservation of
man's being.Secondly,
because, granted that the end of man's will and reason be the
preservation of man's being, it could not be said that the end of man
is some good of the body. For man's being consists in soul and body;
and though the being of the body depends on the soul, yet the being
of the human soul depends not on the body, as shown above (I, Q. 75,
A. 2); and the very body is for the soul, as matter for its form, and
the instruments for the man that puts them into motion, that by their
means he may do his work. Wherefore all goods of the body are
ordained to the goods of the soul, as to their end. Consequently
happiness, which is man's last end, cannot consist in goods of the
body.Reply
Obj. 1: Just as the body is ordained to the soul, as its end, so are
external goods ordained to the body itself. And therefore it is with
reason that the good of the body is preferred to external goods,
which are signified by "riches," just as the good of the
soul is preferred to all bodily goods.Reply
Obj. 2: Being taken simply, as including all perfection of being,
surpasses life and all that follows it; for thus being itself
includes all these. And in this sense Dionysius speaks. But if we
consider being itself as participated in this or that thing, which
does not possess the whole perfection of being, but has imperfect
being, such as the being of any creature; then it is evident that
being itself together with an additional perfection is more
excellent. Hence in the same passage Dionysius says that things that
live are better than things that exist, and intelligent better than
living things.Reply
Obj. 3: Since the end corresponds to the beginning; this argument
proves that the last end is the first beginning of being, in Whom
every perfection of being is: Whose likeness, according to their
proportion, some desire as to being only, some as to living being,
some as to being which is living, intelligent and happy. And this
belongs to few. ________________________SIXTH
ARTICLE [I-II, Q. 2, Art. 5]Whether
Man's Happiness Consists in Pleasure?Objection
1: It would seem that man's happiness consists in pleasure. For since
happiness is the last end, it is not desired for something else, but
other things for it. But this answers to pleasure more than to
anything else: "for it is absurd to ask anyone what is his
motive in wishing to be pleased" (Ethic. x, 2). Therefore
happiness consists principally in pleasure and delight.Obj.
2: Further, "the first cause goes more deeply into the effect
than the second cause" (De Causis i). Now the causality of the
end consists in its attracting the appetite. Therefore, seemingly
that which moves most the appetite, answers to the notion of the last
end. Now this is pleasure: and a sign of this is that delight so far
absorbs man's will and reason, that it causes him to despise other
goods. Therefore it seems that man's last end, which is happiness,
consists principally in pleasure.Obj.
3: Further, since desire is for good, it seems that what all desire
is best. But all desire delight; both wise and foolish, and even
irrational creatures. Therefore delight is the best of all. Therefore
happiness, which is the supreme good, consists in pleasure.On
the contrary,
Boethius says (De Consol. iii): "Any one that chooses to look
back on his past excesses, will perceive that pleasures had a sad
ending: and if they can render a man happy, there is no reason why we
should not say that the very beasts are happy too."I
answer that,
Because bodily delights are more generally known, "the name of
pleasure has been appropriated to them" (Ethic. vii, 13),
although other delights excel them: and yet happiness does not
consist in them. Because in every thing, that which pertains to its
essence is distinct from its proper accident: thus in man it is one
thing that he is a mortal rational animal, and another that he is a
risible animal. We must therefore consider that every delight is a
proper accident resulting from happiness, or from some part of
happiness; since the reason that a man is delighted is that he has
some fitting good, either in reality, or in hope, or at least in
memory. Now a fitting good, if indeed it be the perfect good, is
precisely man's happiness: and if it is imperfect, it is a share of
happiness, either proximate, or remote, or at least apparent.
Therefore it is evident that neither is delight, which results from
the perfect good, the very essence of happiness, but something
resulting therefrom as its proper accident.But
bodily pleasure cannot result from the perfect good even in that way.
For it results from a good apprehended by sense, which is a power of
the soul, which power makes use of the body. Now good pertaining to
the body, and apprehended by sense, cannot be man's perfect good. For
since the rational soul excels the capacity of corporeal matter, that
part of the soul which is independent of a corporeal organ, has a
certain infinity in regard to the body and those parts of the soul
which are tied down to the body: just as immaterial things are in a
way infinite as compared to material things, since a form is, after a
fashion, contracted and bounded by matter, so that a form which is
independent of matter is, in a way, infinite. Therefore sense, which
is a power of the body, knows the singular, which is determinate
through matter: whereas the intellect, which is a power independent
of matter, knows the universal, which is abstracted from matter, and
contains an infinite number of singulars. Consequently it is evident
that good which is fitting to the body, and which causes bodily
delight through being apprehended by sense, is not man's perfect
good, but is quite a trifle as compared with the good of the soul.
Hence it is written (Wis. 7:9) that "all gold in comparison of
her, is as a little sand." And therefore bodily pleasure is
neither happiness itself, nor a proper accident of happiness.Reply
Obj. 1: It comes to the same whether we desire good, or desire
delight, which is nothing else than the appetite's rest in good: thus
it is owing to the same natural force that a weighty body is borne
downwards and that it rests there. Consequently just as good is
desired for itself, so delight is desired for itself and not for
anything else, if the preposition "for" denote the final
cause. But if it denote the formal or rather the motive cause, thus
delight is desirable for something else, i.e. for the good, which is
the object of that delight, and consequently is its principle, and
gives it its form: for the reason that delight is desired is that it
is rest in the thing desired.Reply
Obj. 2: The vehemence of desire for sensible delight arises from the
fact that operations of the senses, through being the principles of
our knowledge, are more perceptible. And so it is that sensible
pleasures are desired by the majority.Reply
Obj. 3: All desire delight in the same way as they desire good: and
yet they desire delight by reason of the good and not conversely, as
stated above (ad 1). Consequently it does not follow that delight is
the supreme and essential good, but that every delight results from
some good, and that some delight results from that which is the
essential and supreme good. ________________________SEVENTH
ARTICLE [I-II, Q. 2, Art. 7]Whether
Some Good of the Soul Constitutes Man's Happiness?Objection
1: It would seem that some good of the soul constitutes man's
happiness. For happiness is man's good. Now this is threefold:
external goods, goods of the body, and goods of the soul. But
happiness does not consist in external goods, nor in goods of the
body, as shown above (AA. 4, 5). Therefore it consists in goods of
the soul.Obj.
2: Further, we love that for which we desire good, more than the good
that we desire for it: thus we love a friend for whom we desire
money, more than we love money. But whatever good a man desires, he
desires it for himself. Therefore he loves himself more than all
other goods. Now happiness is what is loved above all: which is
evident from the fact that for its sake all else is loved and
desired. Therefore happiness consists in some good of man himself:
not, however, in goods of the body; therefore, in goods of the soul.Obj.
3: Further, perfection is something belonging to that which is
perfected. But happiness is a perfection of man. Therefore happiness
is something belonging to man. But it is not something belonging to
the body, as shown above (A. 5). Therefore it is something belonging
to the soul; and thus it consists in goods of the soul.On
the contrary, As
Augustine says (De Doctr. Christ. i, 22), "that which
constitutes the life of happiness is to be loved for its own sake."
But man is not to be loved for his own sake, but whatever is in man
is to be loved for God's sake. Therefore happiness consists in no
good of the soul.I
answer that, As
stated above (Q. 1, A. 8), the end is twofold: namely, the thing
itself, which we desire to attain, and the use, namely, the
attainment or possession of that thing. If, then, we speak of man's
last end, it is impossible for man's last end to be the soul itself
or something belonging to it. Because the soul, considered in itself,
is as something existing in potentiality: for it becomes knowing
actually, from being potentially knowing; and actually virtuous, from
being potentially virtuous. Now since potentiality is for the sake of
act as for its fulfilment, that which in itself is in potentiality
cannot be the last end. Therefore the soul itself cannot be its own
last end.In
like manner neither can anything belonging to it, whether power,
habit, or act. For that good which is the last end, is the perfect
good fulfilling the desire. Now man's appetite, otherwise the will,
is for the universal good. And any good inherent to the soul is a
participated good, and consequently a portioned good. Therefore none
of them can be man's last end.But
if we speak of man's last end, as to the attainment or possession
thereof, or as to any use whatever of the thing itself desired as an
end, thus does something of man, in respect of his soul, belong to
his last end: since man attains happiness through his soul. Therefore
the thing itself which is desired as end, is that which constitutes
happiness, and makes man happy; but the attainment of this thing is
called happiness. Consequently we must say that happiness is
something belonging to the soul; but that which constitutes happiness
is something outside the soul.Reply
Obj. 1: Inasmuch as this division includes all goods that man can
desire, thus the good of the soul is not only power, habit, or act,
but also the object of these, which is something outside. And in this
way nothing hinders us from saying that what constitutes happiness is
a good of the soul.Reply
Obj. 2: As far as the proposed objection is concerned, happiness is
loved above all, as the good desired; whereas a friend is loved as
that for which good is desired; and thus, too, man loves himself.
Consequently it is not the same kind of love in both cases. As to
whether man loves anything more than himself with the love of
friendship there will be occasion to inquire when we treat of
Charity.