Deepest desire
It is impossible for any created good to constitute man’s happiness. For happiness is that perfect good which entirely satisfies one’s desire; otherwise it would not be the ultimate end, if something yet remained to be desired. Now the object of the will, i.e., of man’s desire, is what is universally good; just as the object of the intellect is what is universally true. Hence it is evident that nothing can satisfy man’s will, except what is universally good. This is to be found, not in any creature, but in God alone, because every creature has only participated goodness. Therefore, God alone can satisfy the will of man, according to the words of the Psalms (102:5): “Who alone satisfies your desire with good things.” Therefore, God alone constitutes man’s happiness.” (Summa Theologica Part 2. Q.1. Article )
I suppose much of this depends on a definition of God, and whether our evolution is part of an unfurling of an ever deeper realisation that, ultimately, ourselves and God are one. In that case, all that is created by humans is a reflection, however imperfect, of divine energy. It may be deemed an ‘evil creation’, but this will still contain elements of the divine – what is wrong with it is the failure of the human creator to realize just what is really required.
Kevin Street
May 11, 2011 at 8:23 am
So, could one extrapolate that line of reasoning and say then that the object of the heart, or feeling, is universal love???
sparky
May 11, 2011 at 11:56 pm
I think so. What does this mean practically? For Augustine, every impulse is an impulse for the good, even if the idea of what’s good is mistaken. The thief steals because he imagines some good for his family, or himself, from the possessions he’s going to get. So when we work with people whose impulses seem to be negative or destructive, it’s not a question of going up against their will, but of helping them to free themselves from a false conception of the good. And the ultimate good is the love of God and the love of man. Is this idea a counterpart, or an addition, to the idea that there are basic drives, or basic assumptions, that determine our actions: flight/ fight, pairing, dependency (this comes from Bion). In other words, would a spiritual psychology acknowledge these but see too a drive towards universal love, connection?
tomravetz
May 12, 2011 at 6:22 am
Dear Tom:
In practical terms, it may be that our deepest desire is to reflect the love of God by doing good.
My brother passed away suddenly and I learned he had been in a great, great deal of pain. As you know, where possible, a vigil is kept for 3 days. What could I do? I told him how much I loved him, and how much God loved him, and gave up to him my own hard-won peace.
On the morning after the 3rd day, a Sunday, I remembered that the Act of Consecration for the Dead is meant to celebrate that person’s life, so I made up my mind that’s what I would do – celebrate his memory and his life.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Shirley Johnson
May 23, 2011 at 6:17 am
Here is a quotation from Alfred Heidenreich’s Book of Revelation:
The modern way of initiation is the transformation of thought…. leaving you completely free, not dependant on anyone or anything.
When I say ‘thinking” I do not refer to the analytical intellect which pulls everything to pieces, but to a comprehension of the great basic realities of existence, which by their very nature will inspire you to artistic deeds, and in doing them you engage the whole gamut of your feelings. And in order then to finally bring your inspiration to expression you engage your will, but it is directed from a clear consciousness.
It’s a very interesting book, and I recommend it to anyone looking for insight into the powerful pictures that John describes.
Shirley Johnson
June 8, 2011 at 4:14 am