the supreme philosophy of man the laws of life

Consistent with the holy hermit's prediction, Thomas proved an exemplary scholar, though, ironically, his modesty sometimes led his classmates to misperceive him as dim-witted. Under the tutelage of Saint Albert the Great, Saint Thomas Aquinas subsequently earned his doctorate in theology. He was ordained in Cologne, Germany, in 1250, and went on to teach theology at the University of Paris. Thomas held fast to the ideas he had learned at university, however, and went back to the Dominican order following his release in 1245.įrom 1245 to 1252, Saint Thomas Aquinas continued to pursue his studies with the Dominicans in Naples, Paris and Cologne. During this time, they attempted to deprogram Thomas of his new beliefs. Thomas's family held him captive for an entire year, imprisoned in the fortress of San Giovanni at Rocca Secca. When his family found out, they felt so betrayed that he had turned his back on the principles to which they subscribed that they decided to kidnap him. In 1243, he secretly joined an order of Dominican monks, receiving the habit in 1244. He was particularly drawn to those that emphasized a life of spiritual service, in contrast with the more traditional views and sheltered lifestyle he'd observed at the Abbey of Monte Cassino.Ĭirca 1239, Saint Thomas Aquinas began attending the University of Naples. At the Benedictine house, which was closely affiliated with the University of Naples, Thomas also developed an interest in more contemporary monastic orders. During those years, he studied Aristotle's work, which would later become a major launching point for Saint Thomas Aquinas's own exploration of philosophy. Saint Thomas Aquinas spent the next five years completing his primary education at a Benedictine house in Naples. Saint Thomas Aquinas remained at the monastery until he was 13 years old, when the political climate forced him to return to Naples.

The supreme philosophy of man the laws of life