Is Happiness Found in Power?
Thomas Aquinas' response
In this article, we will analyze whether happiness is found in power.
Thomas Aquinas’ Argument
It is impossible for happiness to consist in power, and this is for two reasons. First, because power has the nature of first principle, meaning people seek power in order to use it, whereas happiness has the nature of last end, people seek happiness to obtain it. Power can be a means to happiness but it doesn’t consist of happiness by itself. Second, power can be good and evil, whereas happiness is man’s proper and perfect good only.
Now four general reasons may be given to prove that happiness consists in none of the previous external goods (money, honor, fame, and power). First, because, since happiness is man’s supreme good, it is incompatible with any evil. Now all the aforementioned can be found both in good and in evil men.Â
Secondly, since it is the nature of happiness to be self-satisfied, therefore, having gained happiness, man cannot lack any needful good. But after acquiring any one of the aforementioned, man may still lack many goods that are necessary to him; for instance, wisdom, bodily health, and so on.
Thirdly, since happiness is the perfect good, no evil can accrue to anyone from it. This cannot be said of the aforementioned: for it is written (Eccles. 5:12) that riches are sometimes kept to the hurt of the owner; and the same may be said of the other three.Â
Fourthly, because man is ordained to happiness through principles that are in him; since he is ordained to it naturally. Now the four goods mentioned above are due rather to external causes, and in most cases to fortune; for which reason they are called goods of fortune. Therefore it is evident that happiness does not consist in money, honor, fame, or power.
Objection 1: Being like God is the ultimate goal; people in power are most like God
It would seem that happiness consists in power. For all things desire to become like God, as to their final goal and first beginning. But men who are in power seem to be most like to God because of their power: hence also in Scripture they are called gods (Exod. 22:28),—Thou shalt not speak ill of the gods. Therefore happiness consists in power.
Aquinas’ Response
God’s power is His goodness: hence He cannot use His power other than well. But it is not so with men. Consequently, it is not enough for man’s happiness, that he becomes like God in power, unless he becomes like Him in goodness also.
Objection 2: Power is the highest form of perfection
Further, happiness is the perfect good. But the highest perfection for man is to be able to rule others; which belongs to those who are in power. Therefore happiness consists in power.
Aquinas’ Response
Just as it is a very good thing for a man to make good use of power in ruling many, so it is a very bad thing if he makes bad use of it. And so power can be used towards good and evil.
Objection 3: Servitude, the opposite of power, is the most undesirable
Further, since happiness is supremely desirable, it is contrary to all things that are undesirable. But, more than everything else, men don’t desire servitude, which is contrary to power. Therefore happiness consists in power.
Aquinas’ Response
Servitude is a hindrance to the good use of power: therefore it is that men naturally don’t desire servitude; not because man’s supreme good consists in power.