St. Thomas Aquinas provides three indicators by which we can recognize the true object of our life's orientation:
- id in quo maxime delectatur:
… that which brings me the greatest pleasure … - id cui maxime intendit:
… that to which I am most inclined … - id in quo praecipue vult quilibet convivere amico:
… that which I would most like to share with a friend …
(quoted from the notes of Father Jerome /1907–1985/, monk of the Trappist monastery in Sept-Fons)