Thomas a Kempis Quotes (35 Quotes)

An humble knowledge of thyself is a surer way to God than a deep search after learning.

A man that is well ordered in his soul needeth little the unkind demeanor of worldly people nor yet their proud behavior.

No conflict is so severe as his who labors to subdue himself.

The reflections on a day well spent furnish us with joys more pleasing than ten thousand triumphs.

Verily, when the day of judgment comes, we shall not be asked what we have read, but what we have done.

O Lord, Thou knowest that which is best for us let this or that be done, as Thou shalt please. Give what Thou wilt, how much Thou wilt, and when Thou wilt. Deal with me as thou thinkest best. Place me where Thou wilt, and deal with me in all things just as Thou wilt. Behold, I am Thy servant, prepared for all things I desire not to live unto myself, but unto Thee and oh, that I could do it worthily and perfectly.

Remember that lost time does not return.

A disciple once complained, 'You tell us stories, but you never reveal their meaning to us.' The master replied, 'How would you like it if someone offered you fruit and then chewed it up for you before giving it to you' If your heart is straight with God, then every creature will be to you a mirror of life and a book of holy doctrine.

Sometimes thou shalt be forsaken of God, sometimes thou shalt be troubled by thy neighbors and what is more, oftentimes thou shalt be wearisome even to thyself. Neither canst thou be delivered or eased by any remedy or comfort but so long as it pleaseth.

A man of peace does more good than a very learned man.

First keep the peace within yourself, then you can also bring peace to others.

Of two evils we must always choose the least.

Of two evils, the lesser must always be chosen De duobus malis, minus est semper eligendum.

Be not angry that you cannot make others as you wish them to be, since you cannot make yourself as you wish to be.

Whoever strives to withdraw from obedience, withdraws from grace.

Who is so wise as to have a perfect knowledge of all things Therefore trust not too much to thine own opinion, but be ready also to hear the opinion of others. Thought thine own opinion be good, yet if for the love of God thou foregoest it, and followest that of another, thou shalt the more profit thereby.

But when he (man) shall have been taken from sight, he quickly goes also out of mind.

Man proposes, but God disposes.

Never be entirely idle; but either be reading, or writing, or praying or meditating or endeavoring something for the public good.

The loftier the building, the deeper must the foundation be laid.

If thy heart were right, then every creature would be a mirror of life and a book of holy doctrine. There is no creature so small and abject, but it reflects the goodness of God.

Occasions do not make a man either strong or weak they show what he is.

Jesus hath many lovers of His heavenly kingdom, but few bearers of His Cross. He hath many seekers of comfort, but few of tribulation. He findeth many companions of His table, but few of His fasting. All desire to rejoice with Him, few are willing to undergo anything for His sake. Many follow Jesus that they may eat of His loaves, but few that they may drink of the cup of His passion. Many are astonished at His miracles, few follow after the shame of His Cross. Many love Jesus so long as no adversities happen to them. Many praise Him and bless Him, so long as they receive any comforts from Him. But if Jesus hide Himself and withdraw a little while, they fall either into complaining or into too great dejection of mind.

It is much safer to obey, than to govern.

Two wings lift a person up from earthly concerns Simplicity in intention, and Purity in feeling.

You are a man, not God you are human, not an angel. How can you expect to remain always in a constant state of virtue, when this was not possible even for an angel of heaven, nor for the first man in the Garden.

What difference does it make to you what someone else becomes, or says, or does? You do not need to answer for others, only for yourself.

The acknowledgement of our weakness is the first step toward repairing our loss.

Great tranquility of heart is his who cares for neither praise nor blame.

Count not thyself to have found true peace, if thou hast felt no grief nor that then all is well if thou hast no adversary nor that this is perfect, if all things fall out according to thy desire.

Oh, how swiftly the glory of the world passes away!

And if thy heart be straight with God, then every creature shall be to thee a mirror of life and a book of holy doctrine, for there is no creature so little or so vile, but that sheweth and representeth the goodness of God.

Without the Way, there is no going Without the Truth, there is no knowing Without the Life, there is no living.

In judging of others a man laboreth in vain, often erreth, And easily sinneth but in judging and examining himself, he always laboreth fruitfully.

If thou bear the Cross cheerfully, it will bear thee.