Is man’s happiness found in pleasure? Origen distinguishes the wisdom of the world from the wisdom of God, warning that worldly philosophies, though clothed in brilliance, often serve demonic deception (1 Corinthians 2:6–8). Augustine wrestles with what Moses intended in Genesis—was “the beginning” the first instant of time, or the formless start of creation? Either way, God’s truth stands. Aquinas answers that happiness cannot be bodily delight, for pleasure perfects but does not constitute happiness. True happiness lies in the soul’s union with God (Psalm 16:11).
Origen, De Principiis, Book 1, Chapter 3 Augustine,
Confessions, Book 12, Chapters 23–24
Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, Part 1–2, Q.3, Article 4
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