While comparisons are usually considered odious, there are some which are to the advantage of readers. Bonaventure and Thomas Aquinas possessed different gifts of the mind. Each possessed qualities he excelled in. They complemented each other, for what one lacked the other supplied.
Thomas was analytical; Bonaventure, preferred synthesis.
Thomas was the Christian version of Aristotle; Bonaventure, a faithful Augustinian.
Thomas was the academic; Bonaventure, a guide for daily life.
Thomas fed the mind; Bonaventure enkindled a fire in hearts.
Thomas extended the knowledge of God with his love of theology; Bonaventure enlarged it by his theology of love.
Bonaventure lived in the presence of God and his writings demonstrate this. While imparting knowledge, he aroused devotion. He treated learning with devotion and devotion with learning. Bonaventure was unique among the luminaries of his time mainly by his great warmth combined with practicality.