The reviewer advises reading Aristotle first to understand the fundamentals before tackling the Summa Theologica.
This Reddit discussion provides practical advice for laymen interested in reading the Summa Theologica. The reviewer suggests starting with Aristotle's works to build a foundational understanding of philosophy before diving into the Summa Theologica. This approach is recommended to better grasp the complex ideas presented in Aquinas' work. The reviewer's advice is particularly useful for those new to philosophical and theological studies, offering a structured path to understanding the Summa Theologica.
Quick quotes
As a layman who's read a ton of St. Thomas, my advice is this: read Aristotle first.
If you understand the fundamentals of Aristotle, you'll be better prepared to tackle the Summa Theologica.
This book is a good start for understanding the basics before moving on to more advanced works.