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About this quote

What does it mean?
Music is described as the mind rising from eternal truths and expressing them through sound.
In plain terms
Music comes from thinking about eternal things and making sound.
What can you take from it?
Music expresses eternal truths through sound.

Where it applies

  • composition
  • performance
  • listening

Putting it to work

  • create music
  • analyze lyrics
  • practice listening

Questions to consider

  • What truths does music express?
  • Is music spiritual or physical?

Another view

This definition is metaphysical and may not fit secular music.

More from Thomas Aquinas

  1. Man cannot live without joy; therefore when he is deprived of true spiritual joys it is necessary that he become addicted to carnal pleasures.

    Permalink to quote #14
  2. One cannot use an evil action with reference to a good intention.

    Permalink to quote #16
  3. Beware the man of one book.

    Permalink to quote #13

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