1001Philosophers

Joseph Pieper Quotes

Joseph Pieper was a German Catholic philosopher and one of the most widely read twentieth-century interpreters of Thomas Aquinas. Long-time professor at Munster, he combined careful scholarship in medieval philosophy with a gift for short, pellucid books that brought the central themes of the perennial Christian philosophical tradition to a wide modern readership. The quotes below are attributed to Joseph Pieper, organized by topic.

Joseph Pieper on God

  • Attributed to Joseph Pieper:

    “Worship is the source of culture, not its product.”

Joseph Pieper on Happiness

  • Attributed to Joseph Pieper:

    “Leisure is the basis of culture.”

Joseph Pieper on Justice

  • Attributed to Joseph Pieper:

    “Justice unites human beings; injustice separates them.”

Joseph Pieper on Truth

  • Attributed to Joseph Pieper:

    “Truth is the soul's love of being as it is.”

Joseph Pieper on Virtue

  • Attributed to Joseph Pieper:

    “Hope is the virtue of the wayfarer.”