Music is the exaltation of the mind derived from things eternal, bursting forth in sound

Music is the exaltation of the mind derived from things eternal, bursting forth in sound

Thomas Aquinas, a prominent theologian and philosopher of the Middle Ages, believed that music was a powerful force that could elevate the mind and connect it to the divine. In his writings, Aquinas often spoke of music as a reflection of the eternal and as a means of expressing the beauty and harmony of the universe.

Aquinas saw music as a form of art that could transcend the physical world and touch upon the spiritual realm. He believed that music had the ability to move the soul and inspire feelings of joy, peace, and transcendence. For Aquinas, music was not just a form of entertainment or a way to pass the time, but a means of connecting with the divine and experiencing a glimpse of the eternal.

In his famous quote, “Music is the exaltation of the mind derived from things eternal, bursting forth in sound,” Aquinas captures the essence of what music meant to him. He believed that music had the power to lift the mind out of the mundane and into the realm of the eternal. Through the beauty and harmony of music, Aquinas believed that one could experience a sense of transcendence and connect with the divine.

For Aquinas, music was not just a collection of notes and sounds, but a reflection of the order and harmony of the universe. He saw music as a way to express the beauty and complexity of creation and to connect with the eternal truths that underlie the world. In this sense, music was a form of worship and a way to praise and glorify the divine.