Aquinas mailbox
A clever reference!
Thomas Aquinas, the 13th-century Dominican friar and philosopher, is often depicted as a scholar sitting at a desk, surrounded by books and manuscripts. But, if he had a mailbox, what might it look like?
Here's a possible design:
The Mailbox of St. Thomas Aquinas
- The mailbox itself would be a sturdy, ornate wooden box with intricate carvings of philosophical symbols, such as the ouroboros (the snake eating its own tail), representing the cyclical nature of knowledge and the pursuit of wisdom.
- The mailbox would have a small, ornate door with a latch shaped like a pair of spectacles, symbolizing the importance of clear thinking and intellectual curiosity.
- On the side of the mailbox, there would be a quote from Aquinas' works, such as "Wisdom is not acquired by learning, but by the love of learning" or "The highest wisdom is to understand that all is nothing."
- The mailbox would have a small, discreet compartment for receiving letters and packages, with a tiny, golden keyhole shaped like a miniature version of the philosopher's iconic hat.
- The mailbox would be adorned with a small, delicate statue of Aquinas himself, sitting in contemplation, surrounded by books and scrolls, with a subtle smile on his face, as if he's pondering the mysteries of the universe.
What might be inside the mailbox?
- Letters from fellow scholars and philosophers, discussing the latest developments in theology, philosophy, and science.
- Manuscripts and treatises on various topics, such as metaphysics, ethics, and politics.
- Small, intricately carved wooden tokens or coins, symbolizing the exchange of ideas and the pursuit of wisdom.
- A small, leather-bound book, containing notes and reflections on the nature of reality, the human condition, and the mysteries of the universe.
The mailbox's purpose
The Mailbox of St. Thomas Aquinas would serve as a symbol of the pursuit of wisdom, a reminder of the importance of intellectual curiosity, and a testament to the enduring legacy of Aquinas' philosophical and theological contributions. It would be a place where scholars and thinkers could deposit their thoughts, ideas, and reflections, and where they could receive inspiration, guidance, and wisdom from the great philosopher himself.