Summa contra Gentiles3.35 Chapter XXXV. That ultimate happiness does not consist in the act of prudence

It is also evident from the foregoing that neither does man’s happiness consist in the act of prudence.

For acts of prudence are solely about matters of moral virtue. But human happiness does not consist in the practice of moral virtue.? Neither therefore does it consist in the practice of prudence.

Again. Man’s ultimate happiness consists in man’s most excellent operation. Now man’s most excellent operation in respect of what is proper to man, is in relation to most is not about necessary things, but about contingent practical matters.' Therefore its act is not man’s ultimate happiness. Besides. That which is directed to another as its end, is Aristotle (6 Etfic. xili.). Therefore man’s ultimate happiness is not in the practice of prudence.

Furthermore. Irrational animals have no share of happiness: as Aristotle proves (1 Ethic. ix.). Yet some of them have a certain share of prudence: as may be gathered from the same authority (1 Metaph/i., ii.). Therefore happiness