The highest manifestation of life consists in this: that a being governs its own actions. A thing which is always subject to the direction of another is somewhat of a dead thing.
Thomas AquinasWe can't have full knowledge all at once. We must start by believing; then afterwards we may be led on to master the evidence for ourselves.
Thomas AquinasGod himself would not permit evil in this world if good did not come of it for the benefit and harmony of the universe.
Thomas AquinasSloth is sluggishness of the mind which neglects to begin good...it is evil in its effect, if it so oppresses man as to draw him away entirely from good deeds.
Thomas AquinasGood and evil are essential differences of the act of the will. For good and evil pertain essentially to the will; just as truth and falsehood pertain to the reason, the act of which is distinguished essentially by the difference of truth and falsehood (according as we say that an opinion is true or false.) Consequently, good and evil volition are acts differing in species.
Thomas Aquinas