Thomas à Kempis Quotes

That which profiteth little or nothing is looked after, and that which is altogether necessary is negligently passed by;

There is no great trust to be placed in a frail and mortal man, even though he be useful and dear to us, neither should much sorrow arise within us if sometimes he oppose and contradict us. They who are on thy side to-day, may to-morrow be against thee, and often are they turned round like the wind. Put thy whole trust in God and let Him be thy fear and thy love, He will answer for thee Himself, and will do for thee what is best.

For if he who resolveth bravely oftentimes falleth short, how shall it be with him who resolveth rarely or feebly?

Be thou never without something to do; be reading, or writing, or praying, or meditating, or doing something that is useful to the community.

Grant me prudently to avoid the flatterer, and patiently to bear with him that opposeth me;

One hath said, “As oft as I have gone among men, so oft have I returned less a man.” This is what we often experience when we have been long time in conversation.

Even though Thou dost expose me to divers temptations and adversities, Thou ordainest all this unto my advantage, for Thou are wont to prove Thy beloved ones in a thousand ways.

There is no man in the world free from trouble or anguish, though he were King or Pope.

They who enter the narrow way of life for Thy Name’s sake, and have put away all worldly cares, shall attain great liberty of spirit.

thou art far weaker than thou art able to comprehend. Let, therefore, nothing which thou doest seem to thee great; let nothing be grand, nothing of value or beauty, nothing worthy of honour, nothing lofty, nothing praiseworthy or desirable, save what is eternal

The proud and the avaricious man are never at rest; while the poor and lowly of heart abide in the multitude of peace.

That we must give ourselves to humble works when we are unequal to those that are lofty

What canst thou see elsewhere which thou canst not see here? Behold the heaven and the earth and all the elements; for of these are all things created.

Happy is the man who hath the hour of his death always before his eyes, and daily prepareth himself to die.

To account nothing of one’s self, and to think always kindly and highly of others, this is great and perfect wisdom.