St. Thomas Aquinas

Chesterton never meant his short introduction to Aquinas to be anything more than “a popular sketch of a great historical character who ought to be more popular.” However, many readers and even scholars of Aquinas have considered it life-changing. Conversationally and sensitively, Chesterton lays out the core themes of Aquinas’ life and thought. He highlights the Catholic philosopher’s affirmation of the goodness of creation, his defense of common sense, and his deep value of reason and rationality. These things, as Chesterton saw it, did not only characterize Aquinas’ work, but also represented what the 20th century and beyond so desperately needed.

Kathleen O’Bannon
CCEL Staff