Man cannot live without joy; therefore when he is deprived of true spiritual joys it is necessary that he become addicted to carnal pleasures.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: The quote delves into the concept of joy as an essential life force. Human beings, according to this perspective, are innately inclined towards the pursuit of happiness and fulfillment. The quote differentiates between 'true spiritual joys' and 'carnal pleasures', hinting at a deeper, more meaningful form of happiness versus a superficial, transient satisfaction. The spiritual joys could be things like love, peace, purpose, and deep connection, which nourish the soul and lead to long-term fulfillment. Carnal pleasures, on the other hand, could be viewed as immediate gratifications like indulgence in food, sex, or material possessions, which might offer temporary pleasure but not lasting satisfaction. If deprived of the deeper, more meaningful joys, humans may resort to these quick fixes to fill the void. Thus, this quote is a reminder of the importance of seeking and cultivating deeper, more profound sources of happiness, lest we risk getting lost in the cycle of temporary, superficial gratification.
Who said the quote?
The quote "Man cannot live without joy; therefore when he is deprived of true spiritual joys it is necessary that he become addicted to carnal pleasures." was said by Thomas Aquinas (Bio / Quotes). Thomas Aquinas was a medieval Italian philosopher and theologian who is best known for his work "Summa Theologica.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.