Intelligence must follow faith, never precede it, and never destroy it.

Thomas a Kempis's quote, "Intelligence must follow faith, never precede it, and never destroy it," reflects his belief in the primacy of faith over intellectual reasoning. Kempis, a medieval Catholic monk and author, is emphasizing that faith—particularly in spiritual or religious matters—should be the foundation of one’s worldview and actions, while intelligence or rational thought should serve to support or deepen that faith, not replace or undermine it. In his view, faith provides the direction and purpose, and intelligence should help navigate that path without trying to overpower or negate it.

The idea that intelligence should follow faith suggests a relationship where the heart or soul leads, and the mind supports, rather than the mind leading and faith being subjected to it. Kempis is warning against the dangers of allowing human intelligence to dictate one's beliefs, which can lead to doubt, skepticism, or the abandonment of faith. He believes that faith is a deeper, more profound guiding principle that holds greater significance than logic or reasoning in matters of spiritual truth.

Additionally, Kempis stresses that intelligence should never destroy faith, meaning that rational thought should never lead to the complete rejection of spiritual beliefs. While reason and faith can coexist, Kempis suggests that faith must remain unshaken by the limitations or challenges posed by human reasoning. This reflects his view that spirituality and divine understanding transcend mere intellectual comprehension.

The origin of the quote comes from Thomas a Kempis, best known for his work The Imitation of Christ, a spiritual classic that focuses on the inner life and devotion to Christ. His teachings often emphasized humility, the importance of faith, and the dangers of relying solely on intellectual reasoning in the spiritual journey. Kempis's quote aligns with his broader theological perspective that faith should be the guiding force in life, with intelligence serving as a supportive, not leading, role in understanding and practicing that faith.