Contemplare et Contemplata Aliis Tradere

St. Thomas Aquinas states that, “just as it is better to enlighten than merely to shine, so is it better to give to others the fruits of one's contemplation (contemplata aliis tradere) than merely to contemplate (contemplari)” (Summa Theologiae, II-II Q. 188, A. 6). “Contemplata aliis tradere” is a Latin phrase which means “to hand down to others the fruits of contemplation.” The primitive Dominican constitutions declares: “Of such type is our Order of Preachers, which from its first foundation is principally, essentially and by name ordained to teaching and preaching, to communicating to others the fruits of contemplation.” The fruits of contemplation which are given to others in Dominican teaching and preaching are none other than those acquired by study, learning, and contemplation.