"Nil Nisi Te" ( Nothing without Thee )

Thomas Aquinas, one of the greatest theologians and philosophers in the history of the Church, is known for his profound insights into the nature of God, humanity, and the relationship between them. The phrase "Nil Nisi Te," which means "Nothing but You" or "Nothing except You," encapsulates a key aspect of Aquinas's theology. 

### Context

The phrase "Nil Nisi Te" is reflective of Aquinas's understanding of the centrality of God in all things. In his magnum opus, the "Summa Theologica," Aquinas delves deeply into the relationship between God and humanity. He emphasizes that God is the ultimate end and the source of all goodness. According to Aquinas, everything that exists depends on God for its existence, sustenance, and purpose.

### God as the Supreme Good

In Aquinas's view, God is the highest good, the ultimate end, and the fulfillment of all desires. For Aquinas, true happiness and fulfillment can only be found in God. This is because God is the source of all that is good, and all created things are only good insofar as they participate in the goodness of God. The phrase "Nil Nisi Te" reflects the idea that nothing else can truly satisfy or fulfill us except God.

### Dependency on God

Aquinas also emphasizes the dependency of all creation on God. In his doctrine of creation, Aquinas argues that everything that exists is contingent and relies on God for its existence. God is the necessary being, the uncaused cause, and everything else derives its existence from Him. The phrase "Nil Nisi Te" underscores the truth that without God, nothing would exist, and without God, nothing can find true purpose or fulfillment.

### Divine Providence and Grace

In addition to being the creator, God is also the provider and sustainer of all things. Aquinas teaches that God's providence governs the universe, and His grace is necessary for humans to achieve their ultimate end, which is union with God. The phrase "Nil Nisi Te" captures the idea that humans rely on God for guidance, sustenance, and ultimately for salvation. 

### Theological Virtues

Aquinas highlights the importance of the theological virtues: faith, hope, and charity. These virtues direct humans toward God as their ultimate end. The phrase "Nil Nisi Te" aligns with the virtue of charity, which is love for God above all things. According to Aquinas, charity is the greatest of the virtues because it unites humans with God. 

### Conclusion

"Nil Nisi Te" encapsulates the essence of Aquinas's theological insights. It expresses the truth that God is the supreme good, the ultimate end, and the source of all that is worthwhile. It also reflects the dependency of all creation on God and the central role of God in human fulfillment and salvation. In the eyes of Aquinas, nothing else matters without God, and nothing else can truly satisfy or fulfill us except God.