The 60-Second Aquinas
Lesson
Misery Loves Company
August 26, 1998
When considering the bad decisions of some people – decisions which are clearly not in the best interest of the individual, such as marrying an abusive person, committing adultery, or returning to an addiction – it seems preposterous to think that all people naturally desire happiness. But, that’s what Aquinas says.
Aquinas explains that happiness is considered in two ways: 1) from a common notion (universally speaking, the fulfillment of one’s will) and 2) from a particular point of view of what happiness is (that is, the object in which happiness is contained).
Aquinas says all people desire happiness according to the first way: "to desire happiness is simply to desire that one’s will be wholly satisfied, and this everyone desires" (ST I-II, Q. 5 Art. 8).
Even though some may wallow in their misery, they are in some way desiring their will to be fulfilled, even though their will may not be in right order: "Rectitude of the will is required for happiness" (ST I-II, Q. 4 Art. 4). Thus, such individuals may desire happiness, but they will not find it.
Explanation of The 60-Second Aquinas Lesson
