We resemble computers intellectually and animals emotionally.

"We resemble computers intellectually and animals emotionally." – Mother Angelica

In the vast expanse of the human soul, we find two contrasting forces that shape the essence of our being. One is cold and calculating, driven by the relentless march of logic and reason, while the other is untamed, full of passion and instinct, guided by the deepest currents of emotion. Mother Angelica, a woman whose wisdom and faith touched countless hearts, offers us a profound reflection on the dual nature of humanity: we are both intellectual machines and creatures of feeling. This dichotomy, so deeply embedded in our very nature, calls us to understand both the power and the danger of these forces within us.

To think as a computer means to organize, process, and analyze the world around us through the lens of reason. The mind, like a finely-tuned machine, takes in information, performs calculations, and makes decisions based on patterns and logic. It is efficient, precise, and capable of great feats of intellect. Yet, computers—as marvels of human invention—lack one key element: they have no heart, no deep connection to the world beyond the realm of data. The human intellect, much like the computer, processes the world with remarkable precision, but it is the heart—the emotion—that gives meaning to this logic, transforming cold calculation into purpose.

It is within the realm of emotion that we resemble the animal more than the machine. Like creatures of the wild, we are driven by instincts that often defy the rigid order of reason. Fear, love, anger, and joy—these primal forces often surge through us, shaping our actions in ways that intellect alone cannot explain. We make decisions based on these deep-seated feelings, not always according to what is logically sound, but according to what our hearts crave or fear. In this way, we are much like the beasts of the field, whose instincts guide them through the world, even when reason fails them.

Consider the story of Alexander the Great, whose intellect shaped his military campaigns and conquered vast lands, yet it was his deep passion for greatness, his emotion and drive for legacy, that drove him to push the limits of human possibility. His mind devised the strategies for battle, but it was his heart—his desire to be remembered as a legend—that kept him moving forward, even in the face of overwhelming challenges. Alexander's tale reminds us that human intellect may chart the course, but it is the emotional energy that propels us toward greatness.

Yet, in this duality of intellect and emotion lies a delicate balance. In the ancient world, Plato spoke of the trilogy of the soul—reason, spirit, and appetite. The philosopher argued that the soul must maintain harmony, where reason governs the actions, spirit fuels the courage, and appetite serves the needs of the body without overwhelming the mind. Mother Angelica’s words echo this ancient wisdom: while we may resemble computers in our intellectual pursuits, we must not let the emotional animal dominate our being. Both forces—mind and heart—must work together in a balance that honors each aspect of our humanity.

The lesson of this wisdom is clear: emotions are the fire that burns within us, pushing us to create, to love, and to live with depth and intensity. Reason is the tool by which we guide that fire, keeping it from consuming us, ensuring that we act with wisdom and discernment. Without emotion, the intellect is hollow, and without intellect, emotion is wild and destructive. Thus, we must strive to cultivate both aspects, honoring the mind for its capacity to reason and the heart for its ability to feel, ensuring that neither reigns supreme, but both are in service to a higher purpose.

In our own lives, let us learn from the wisdom of Mother Angelica and the ancient thinkers. We must seek balance between the intellect and the emotions. When faced with decisions, let us ask ourselves: Are we thinking with clarity and logic, or are we being driven solely by our emotions? Are we acting with the wisdom of our minds while honoring the feelings of our hearts? True wisdom comes not from denying one force in favor of the other, but from understanding the interplay between them and striving for harmony.

As we walk through life, let us remember that we are not mere machines, nor are we simply creatures of instinct. We are both intellectual beings capable of great thought and emotional creatures capable of profound love and passion. To honor both is to honor the fullness of our humanity. May we walk the path of wisdom with both our hearts and minds in alignment, guided by the knowledge that the greatest strength lies in the balance between thought and feeling.