III. OF THE OBJECT OF THIS HAPPINESS
What is the object of the happiness of man?
The object of the happiness of man is a good higher
than himself and in which he can find his perfection
(II. 1-8).
Are riches the object of this happiness of man?
No, it is not riches, for these are beneath man; nor are
they sufficient to guarantee his entire welfare and his
perrfection (II. i).
Are honours?
No, not honours; because honours do not bring perfection,
but rather presuppose it, that is when they are not
false honours; and if they be false they avail nothing
(II. 2).
Is it glory or renown?
No, for these are of no worth unless they be merited;
moreover among men these things are often foolish and
ill-judged (II. 3).
Is it power?
No, because power is for the good of others, and is
subject to their whims and disobedience (II. 4).
Is it health or bodily beauty?
No, because these good things are too unstable;
furthermore they belong only to the external perfection
of man and not to his internal perfection or that of his
soul (II. 5).
Does it consist in pleasures of the body?
No, it does not consist in pleasures of the body, since
these are of small account in comparison with the higher
pleasures of the mind which are proper to the soul (II. 6).
Does the happiness of man consist in something which is a good of the soul?
Yes, the happiness of man consists in some good of
soul (II. 7).
What is this good of the soul in which the happiness of man consists?
The good of the soul in which the happiness of man
consists is God, the Supreme Good, Sovereign and
Infinite (II. 8).
Next - The Catechism of the Summa - The Second Part: IV. OF THE POSSESSION OF THIS HAPPINESS
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