Thomas Aquinas on happiness—medieval wisdom meets modern science The Atlantic insight

Arthur C. Brooks’ recent Atlantic article revisits a centuries-old blueprint for happiness, revealing that medieval wisdom remains remarkably relevant to contemporary behavioural science. At the heart of the piece is Saint Thomas Aquinas, the 13th-century Dominican monk and philosopher, who argued that true fulfilment—though ultimately found in God—is also attainable imperfectly here on Earth. Brooks draws parallels between Aquinas’ framework and modern research on emotions, self-control, and well-being, showing that passions, intellect, and willpower are enduring pillars of a life well-lived.

Brooks opens by framing happiness as an effortful process: it requires understanding one’s emotions, cultivating constructive habits, and consistently following through despite immediate temptations. These three elements—passion, intellect, and will—mirror Aquinas’ insights into the “imperfect happiness” achievable in mortal life. While perfect happiness, Aquinas wrote, can only be found in divine contemplation, he emphasised the moral and practical importance of managing earthly desires and impulses. Modern science validates this, showing that negative emotions are normal and healthy, while conscious engagement with positive impulses fosters better outcomes in work, learning, and well-being.

Aquinas’ approach is counterintuitive in a culture that celebrates emotional spontaneity. He argued not for repression but for governance: passions should not be eliminated but disciplined and directed by reason. Awareness of appetitive impulses—our cravings and strong emotions—enables self-regulation and reduces the likelihood that short-term desires will derail long-term goals. Contemporary experiments confirm that positive emotions like hope, pride, and enjoyment can enhance engagement and achievement, illustrating the interdependence between intellect and passion Aquinas described centuries ago.

The final element, willpower, functions as the executive force that aligns choices with long-term aims. Aquinas’ concept of willpower, described as a “supernatural gift,” resonates with modern psychology, which demonstrates that self-control can be strengthened through repeated practice and goal-oriented behaviour. Willpower allows individuals to prioritise constructive passions over destructive ones, reinforcing a virtuous cycle of intellectual reflection and emotional cultivation.

Brooks also contextualises Aquinas’ philosophy with vivid biographical anecdotes, showing how the young philosopher subordinated his own desires for prestige to a life of purpose. Despite familial pressure to join the Benedictine order and even attempts to corrupt him, Aquinas exercised disciplined judgment, using intellect to guide passions and will to uphold moral choices. His life serves as a living illustration of the principles he espoused, offering a model for applying Thomistic philosophy to everyday decisions and modern challenges.

Ultimately, Brooks’ article emphasises that happiness is neither passive nor purely emotional—it is an active, disciplined practice. By studying oneself, discerning which passions are beneficial, and deploying willpower strategically, individuals can achieve meaningful improvement in their well-being. Aquinas’ strategy demonstrates that a life oriented by reason and directed effort—not just fleeting pleasure—yields enduring satisfaction.

Brooks’ synthesis reminds readers that ancient philosophical wisdom and contemporary behavioural science are not in opposition; they converge on the same principle: imperfect happiness on Earth is attainable when intellect governs passions and will translates understanding into action. For anyone seeking a practical roadmap to well-being, Aquinas’ centuries-old insights remain as actionable today as they were in medieval Italy.

By Vugar Khalilov