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Objection 1: It would seem that man's happiness consists in
honors. For happiness or bliss is "the reward of virtue," as the
Philosopher says (Ethic. i, 9). But honor more than anything
else seems to be that by which virtue is rewarded, as the Philosopher
says (Ethic. iv, 3). Therefore happiness consists especially in
honor.
Objection 2: Further, that which belongs to God and to persons of
great excellence seems especially to be happiness, which is the perfect
good. But that is honor, as the Philosopher says (Ethic. iv,
3). Moreover, the Apostle says (1 Tim. 1:17): "To .
. . the only God be honor and glory." Therefore happiness consists
in honor.
Objection 3: Further, that which man desires above all is
happiness. But nothing seems more desirable to man than honor: since
man suffers loss in all other things, lest he should suffer loss of
honor. Therefore happiness consists in honor.
On the contrary, Happiness is in the happy. But honor is not in the
honored, but rather in him who honors, and who offers deference to the
person honored, as the Philosopher says (Ethic. i, 5).
Therefore happiness does not consist in honor.
I answer that, It is impossible for happiness to consist in honor.
For honor is given to a man on account of some excellence in him; and
consequently it is a sign and attestation of the excellence that is in
the person honored. Now a man's excellence is in proportion,
especially to his happiness, which is man's perfect good; and to its
parts, i.e. those goods by which he has a certain share of
happiness. And therefore honor can result from happiness, but
happiness cannot principally consist therein.
Reply to Objection 1: As the Philosopher says (Ethic. i,
5), honor is not that reward of virtue, for which the virtuous
work: but they receive honor from men by way of reward, "as from
those who have nothing greater to offer." But virtue's true reward
is happiness itself, for which the virtuous work: whereas if they
worked for honor, it would no longer be a virtue, but ambition.
Reply to Objection 2: Honor is due to God and to persons of great
excellence as a sign of attestation of excellence already existing: not
that honor makes them excellent.
Reply to Objection 3: That man desires honor above all else,
arises from his natural desire for happiness, from which honor
results, as stated above. Wherefore man seeks to be honored
especially by the wise, on whose judgment he believes himself to be
excellent or happy.
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