As it is better to give than to receive, so it is better to share the fruit of one’s contemplation than merely to contemplate.

[Sicut enim maius est illuminare quam lucere solum, ita maius est contemplata aliis tradere quam solum contemplari.]

Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) Italian friar, philosopher, theologian

Summa Theologica, 2a-2ae, “Treatise on the States of Life,” Q.188 “Of the Different Kinds of Religious Life” (1265-1274)
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Alt. trans.:

• "Just as it is better to illuminate than merely to shine, so to pass on what one has contemplated is better than merely to contemplate."
• "Better to illuminate than merely to shine; to deliver to others contemplated truths than merely to contemplate."
• "Better to light up than merely to shine, to deliver to others contemplated truths than merely to contemplate." [Source]
• "For even as it is better to enlighten than merely to shine, so it is better to give to others the fruits of one's contemplation than merely to contemplate." [Source]