To bear with patience wrongs done to oneself is a mark of perfection, but to bear with patience wrongs done to someone else is a mark of imperfection and even of actual sin.
Thomas AquinasRead
Pray thee, spare, thyself at times: for it becomes a wise man sometimes to relax the high pressure of his attention to work.
Interpretation
What this quote means
It is important for wise individuals to take breaks from intense focus on work.
In this quote, Thomas Aquinas emphasizes the necessity for individuals, especially those engaged in serious and demanding work, to pause and give themselves a moment of rest. Constant pressure and rigorous attention can lead to burnout, and taking time to relax is essential for maintaining mental clarity and overall well-being. Recognizing that even the most diligent of workers need to step back occasionally is a mark of wisdom.
Themes
RestWorkRelaxationWisdomAttention
In practice
Example use cases
In a workshop on productivity, you might say, 'As Thomas Aquinas advises, we must spare ourselves time to avoid burnout.'
More from Thomas Aquinas
All quotes βLaw is nothing other than a certain ordinance of reason for the common good, promulgated by the person who has the care of the community.
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Now this relaxation of the mind from work consists on playful words or deeds. Therefore it becomes a wise and virtuous man to have recourse to such things at times.
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A song is the exultation of the mind dwelling on eternal things, bursting forth in the voice.
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We are like children, who stand in need of masters to enlighten us and direct us; God has provided for this, by appointing his angels to be our teachers and guides.
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To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.
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