Autor: Sertillanges A. D. (Gilbert)

Buch: The Intellectual Life

Titel: The Intellectual Life

Stichwort: Thomas: Ratschläge an Intellektuelle (7 von 16 Ratschlägen: Leben der Zurückgezogenheit)

Kurzinhalt: To enter into that dwelling, we must give up commonplace things; we must practice retirement, of which the monastic cell is the symbol. "In the cells, and along the great corridors," writes Paul Adam (Dieu, p. 67), "silence is like a splendid person ...

Textausschnitt: 11/3 In the organization of our life, the essential point to safeguard, in view of which all the rest is necessary, is the wise provision of solitude, exterior and interior. St. Thomas is so deeply convinced of this that of sixteen counsels to the intellectual, he devotes seven to external contacts and to the retired life. "I want you to be slow in speaking and slow in going to the parlor." "Do not inquire at all about the actions of others." "Be polite to everyone" but "be familiar with none, for too much familiarity breeds contempt and gives matter for many distractions." "Do not busy yourself about the words and actions of those in the world." "Avoid useless outings above everything." "Love your cell, if you desire to be admitted to the wine-cellar." (46; Fs)

The wine-cellar mentioned here, in an allusion to the Canticle of Canticles and to the commentary of St. Bernard, is the secret dwelling-place of truth, of which from afar the perfume attracts the spouse, that is the fervent soul; it is the abode of inspiration, the radiant center of enthusiasm, of genius, of invention, of ardent search; it is the scene of the activity of the mind and its wise delight. (47; Fs)

To enter into that dwelling, we must give up commonplace things; we must practice retirement, of which the monastic cell is the symbol. "In the cells, and along the great corridors," writes Paul Adam (Dieu, p. 67), "silence is like a splendid person, clad in the whiteness of the walls, keeping watch." What does she keep watch over, if not prayer and work? (47; Fs)

12/3 Therefore, be slow to speak and slow to go to those places where people speak, because in many words the spirit is poured out like water; by your amiability to all, purchase the right really to frequent only a few whose society is profitable; avoid, even with these, the excessive familiarity which drags one down and away from one's purpose; do not run after news that occupies the mind to no purpose; do not busy yourself with the sayings and doings of the world, that is with such as have no moral or intellectual bearing; avoid useless comings and goings which waste hours and fill the mind with wandering thoughts. These are the conditions of that sacred thing, quiet recollection. Only in this way does one gain access to the royal secrets which are the happiness of the Spouse; only by this mode of living does one hold oneself respectfully face to face with truth. (47f; Fs) (notabene)