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Thomas Aquinas: A Life from Beginning to End
Thomas Aquinas is known as a great theologian, and his treatises and theories are studied by clergy all over the world. He is celebrated for his words of wisdom as well as the alleged miracles that he performed while he was still alive. Yet as large as his acclaim may be, Aquinas has also had his fair share of detractors both during his lifetime and long thereafter.
In the twentieth century, for example, esteemed British philosopher and writer Bertrand Russel went so far in his criticism as to say that he believed that Thomas Aquinas was not a philosopher in the classical sense of the word but rather that he relied more on dogmatic Catholic faith than any sense of inquiry or inductive reasoning. There are of course those that would vehemently argue the opinions of Bertrand Russel. While it is not the purpose of this book to take one side or the other, these arguments and criticisms will be examined as we delve into the history of this great thinker.
Casting all accolades and critiques aside, in this book you will find the raw bare bones of the man who Thomas Aquinas came to be. Thomas Aquinas had an exceptional life of both major accomplishments and upsetting setbacks—here, we explore them in full.
In the twentieth century, for example, esteemed British philosopher and writer Bertrand Russel went so far in his criticism as to say that he believed that Thomas Aquinas was not a philosopher in the classical sense of the word but rather that he relied more on dogmatic Catholic faith than any sense of inquiry or inductive reasoning. There are of course those that would vehemently argue the opinions of Bertrand Russel. While it is not the purpose of this book to take one side or the other, these arguments and criticisms will be examined as we delve into the history of this great thinker.
Casting all accolades and critiques aside, in this book you will find the raw bare bones of the man who Thomas Aquinas came to be. Thomas Aquinas had an exceptional life of both major accomplishments and upsetting setbacks—here, we explore them in full.
41 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 26, 2020
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Hourly History
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 4, 2020
Thomas Aquinas' main argument "was that highly intelligent thought of non-Christians shined even brighter when placed under the light of Christian faith." In his view, "they should be incorporated as wayward divine sparks that need to be brought back under Christian dominion". During his time in the 13th Century even such a statement that recognized other faiths as "divine" would have been a sacrilege. However, the erudition of Aquinas gets reflected in this thoughts. Hourly History does a magnificent job in presenting the life and thoughts of Thomas Aquinas so succinctly.
April 17, 2022
I received this book from Amazon and it is part of the Hourly history collection (https://hourlyhistory.com)
These books are mostly about historical events or historical persons and has all the important information about him in a very concise way (you can read it within an hour).
This one is about Thomas Aquinas, one of the greatest chatolic theologians and Doctor of the Church leaving Aquinas in great company with such epic personas as Saint Augustine and Saint Ambrose.. Perhaps the greatest legacy of Thomas Aquinas was his inquisitive mind. He dared to make inquiries into matters that most of his contemporaries never dreamed of questioning.
This is my assessment of this book Voltaire, by Hourly history according to my 8 criteria:
1. Related to practice - 3 stars
2. It prevails important - 4 stars
3. I agree with the read - 5 stars
4. not difficult to read (as for non-English native) - 4 stars
5. Too long (more than 500 pages) - short and concise (150-200 pages) - 5 stars
6. Boring - every sentence is interesting - 5 stars
7. Learning opportunity - 4 stars
8. Dry and uninspired style of writing - Smooth style with humouristic and fun parts - 4 stars
Total 4.25 stars
Some excerpts from the book:
“One will observe that all things are arranged according to their degrees of beauty and excellence, and that the nearer they are to God, the more beautiful and better they are.” —
Although Thomas Aquinas studied under the auspices of great teachers at the University of Naples, he was apparently surrounded by all manner of vice. He would later describe that it was “a very paradise of God, but inhabited by demons.”
“The things that we love tell us what we are.” —Thomas Aquinas
“To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.” —Thomas Aquinas
“Better to illuminate than merely to shine, to deliver to others contemplated truths than merely to contemplate.” —Thomas Aquinas
Perhaps the greatest legacy of Thomas Aquinas was his inquisitive mind. He dared to make inquiries into matters that most of his contemporaries never dreamed of questioning.
“The end of my labours has come. All that I have written appears to be as so much straw after the things that have been revealed to me.”
These books are mostly about historical events or historical persons and has all the important information about him in a very concise way (you can read it within an hour).
This one is about Thomas Aquinas, one of the greatest chatolic theologians and Doctor of the Church leaving Aquinas in great company with such epic personas as Saint Augustine and Saint Ambrose.. Perhaps the greatest legacy of Thomas Aquinas was his inquisitive mind. He dared to make inquiries into matters that most of his contemporaries never dreamed of questioning.
This is my assessment of this book Voltaire, by Hourly history according to my 8 criteria:
1. Related to practice - 3 stars
2. It prevails important - 4 stars
3. I agree with the read - 5 stars
4. not difficult to read (as for non-English native) - 4 stars
5. Too long (more than 500 pages) - short and concise (150-200 pages) - 5 stars
6. Boring - every sentence is interesting - 5 stars
7. Learning opportunity - 4 stars
8. Dry and uninspired style of writing - Smooth style with humouristic and fun parts - 4 stars
Total 4.25 stars
Some excerpts from the book:
“One will observe that all things are arranged according to their degrees of beauty and excellence, and that the nearer they are to God, the more beautiful and better they are.” —
Although Thomas Aquinas studied under the auspices of great teachers at the University of Naples, he was apparently surrounded by all manner of vice. He would later describe that it was “a very paradise of God, but inhabited by demons.”
“The things that we love tell us what we are.” —Thomas Aquinas
“To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.” —Thomas Aquinas
“Better to illuminate than merely to shine, to deliver to others contemplated truths than merely to contemplate.” —Thomas Aquinas
Perhaps the greatest legacy of Thomas Aquinas was his inquisitive mind. He dared to make inquiries into matters that most of his contemporaries never dreamed of questioning.
“The end of my labours has come. All that I have written appears to be as so much straw after the things that have been revealed to me.”
July 12, 2020
Certainly, this author has humanized Thomas Aquinas and explained the time in which Aquinas was active. What I thought was a bit lacking was an explanation of WHAT and WHY Aquinas' works were so important. To this day, Aquinas is considered one of the most important doctors of his faith; yet this book doesn't really explain what was so astounding about his writing.
This book did a fine job of explaining that much of Thomas Aquinas' work was based on or in contrast to Aristotle's work. But I was left hanging, wondering what all the ruckus was about. Because Thomas Aquinas lived in the 1200s, perhaps he answered questions that theologians were grappling with during those times. But I didn't get a sense of just what Aquinas stood for and why he was different from what came before.
This book did a fine job of explaining that much of Thomas Aquinas' work was based on or in contrast to Aristotle's work. But I was left hanging, wondering what all the ruckus was about. Because Thomas Aquinas lived in the 1200s, perhaps he answered questions that theologians were grappling with during those times. But I didn't get a sense of just what Aquinas stood for and why he was different from what came before.
June 17, 2020
A worthy read for beginners and those who seek to refresh
St. Thomas Aquinas is the authority on the doctrines of Christian religion. His legacy as a formidable but gentle teacher is unmatched. In his 49 years, he left mankind with myriad writings filled with the logical reasoning of Aristotle.
An indepth book about Aquinas is G. K. Chesterton’s St. Thomas Aquinas. Recommend
St. Thomas Aquinas is the authority on the doctrines of Christian religion. His legacy as a formidable but gentle teacher is unmatched. In his 49 years, he left mankind with myriad writings filled with the logical reasoning of Aristotle.
An indepth book about Aquinas is G. K. Chesterton’s St. Thomas Aquinas. Recommend
May 7, 2020
Another great short history
It never ceases to amaze me how well they cover subject in such a short amount of time and pages. All in all a good history of the man but I wish they would’ve got into his doctrine a little bit more
It never ceases to amaze me how well they cover subject in such a short amount of time and pages. All in all a good history of the man but I wish they would’ve got into his doctrine a little bit more
August 11, 2021
Hourly History once again delivers an in-depth life history clearly and concisely.
A great inquisitive mind focused on the divine, Thomas Aquinas was that man. This brief writing does him great justice.
A great inquisitive mind focused on the divine, Thomas Aquinas was that man. This brief writing does him great justice.
April 27, 2022
The Life of Saint Aquinas
Hourly History has done an exceptional job of writing
the life of Thomas Aquinas A great read the Theologian's life had some amazing moments not the bland Biography I expected
Hourly History has done an exceptional job of writing
the life of Thomas Aquinas A great read the Theologian's life had some amazing moments not the bland Biography I expected
July 7, 2022
Brief Introduction to Aquinas
This is a very brief introduction to Thomas Aquinas. The book covers his childhood and his life as a monk. The details of his ideas aren't given much space, those who are interested can his books.
This is a very brief introduction to Thomas Aquinas. The book covers his childhood and his life as a monk. The details of his ideas aren't given much space, those who are interested can his books.
October 11, 2022
Review of Thomas Aquinas
I find this short introduction to the life of one of the most influential Christian theologians to be both insightful and inspiring. After reading it, I find myself wanting to read more about him as well as his writings.
I find this short introduction to the life of one of the most influential Christian theologians to be both insightful and inspiring. After reading it, I find myself wanting to read more about him as well as his writings.
October 1, 2023
Great Theologian
Interesting book about a famous historical figure whose name I have heard mentioned several times during my life a very interesting short concise book. Well written.
Interesting book about a famous historical figure whose name I have heard mentioned several times during my life a very interesting short concise book. Well written.
October 3, 2023
Brief overview of the life of Aquinas
The brief summary of the life of Thomas Aquinas Is good but fails to illuminate the arguments that caused Aquinas to be called a "Doctor of the Church."
The brief summary of the life of Thomas Aquinas Is good but fails to illuminate the arguments that caused Aquinas to be called a "Doctor of the Church."
December 27, 2023
Excellent Synopsis of St Thomas's life and achievements!
Concise and easy to read. Additional information was provided that is not easily discovered in other larger works. Excellent job.
Concise and easy to read. Additional information was provided that is not easily discovered in other larger works. Excellent job.
December 4, 2024
great read for just an hour
This little biography caught the enigmatic man just right. The writer was clearly unconvinced about supernatural events, but wrote a clear little biography.
This little biography caught the enigmatic man just right. The writer was clearly unconvinced about supernatural events, but wrote a clear little biography.
May 3, 2020
An informative sketch of the life of Thomas Aquinas.
May 9, 2020
This is an interesting short work on the life of one of the prominent Christian scholars of the past. Its short but insightful.
May 12, 2020
Lived twice as long as Christ
Knew about him, being non Catholic. Seemed like a very head strong and boring person and probably no much fun at a party.
Knew about him, being non Catholic. Seemed like a very head strong and boring person and probably no much fun at a party.
September 8, 2020
Wisdom
While I am familiar with his works, this book helped me to understand the man. Hopefully I will appreciate his works even mlre.
While I am familiar with his works, this book helped me to understand the man. Hopefully I will appreciate his works even mlre.
November 11, 2020
One hour
Brief summary with a lot of padding repeats. Almost wish I'd looked at Wikipedia for free instead of paying for this.
Brief summary with a lot of padding repeats. Almost wish I'd looked at Wikipedia for free instead of paying for this.
January 10, 2022
Very inspirational!
Very easy reading. I enjoyed reading the material. I learned a lot about Aquinas that I did not know. INFORMATIVE.
Very easy reading. I enjoyed reading the material. I learned a lot about Aquinas that I did not know. INFORMATIVE.
February 14, 2022
Well written
One of the better written hourly histories. Few errors and thoughtful. This would be a good text to expand upon.
One of the better written hourly histories. Few errors and thoughtful. This would be a good text to expand upon.
October 8, 2022
Excellent introduction to Aquinas
I have wanted for a long time
to understand Aquinas this short book was excellent as an introduction. I feel blessed
I have wanted for a long time
to understand Aquinas this short book was excellent as an introduction. I feel blessed
October 14, 2022
Well written.. it's a shame that the filmmaker isn't on the books themselves that Thomas wrote.
October 18, 2022
Good overview of the life, trials and the writing process of a famous Catholic theologian. Recommend a read if little is known about this Saint.
May 31, 2023
Excellent
Excellent and quick way to read the basics of Thomas Aquinas life and contributions! A father and a saint of the Catholic Church!
Excellent and quick way to read the basics of Thomas Aquinas life and contributions! A father and a saint of the Catholic Church!
June 3, 2023
This was a good summation of Thomas Aquinas' life and a quick read.
June 19, 2023
Wonderful Inspiring book
I enjoyed reading how Thomas Aquinas dealt with criticism. An inspiration to us all. Calm in the storm and stood by his convictions.
I enjoyed reading how Thomas Aquinas dealt with criticism. An inspiration to us all. Calm in the storm and stood by his convictions.
February 24, 2024
"The prayerless soul advances in nothing." Saint Thomas Aquinas. That may be one of the main points I came away with from this brief book, among others. Well-written.
July 23, 2024
Does what it says on the cover details of Thomas Aquinas life from beginning to end but with just the basic details and not a lot of depth.
July 27, 2025
A short guide on the life of Saint Aquinas. What an inspiring life. His influence is continued to be felt today .
November 28, 2025
Great summation
Excellent reading for all. Such an overview is important on a man who wrote so thoroughly. I am much more likely to a read a book or two from this biography. 📖📚📙
Excellent reading for all. Such an overview is important on a man who wrote so thoroughly. I am much more likely to a read a book or two from this biography. 📖📚📙
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews