Quotes from Thomas a Kempis

This ought to be our endeavor: to conquer ourselves and daily to grow stronger against ourselves, and to grow in holiness.

If all were perfect, what should we have to suffer from others for God's sake? But God has so ordained, that we may learn to bear with one another's burdens, for there is no man without fault, no man without burden, no man sufficient to himself nor wise enough. Hence we must support one another, console one another, mutually help, counsel, and advise, for the measure of every man's virtue is best revealed in time of adversity -- adversity that does not weaken a man but rather shows what he is.

Simplicity ought to be in the intention, purity in the affection.

It happens very often that those whom men esteem highly are more seriously endangered by their own excessive confidence. Hence, for many it is better not to be too free from temptations, but often to be tried lest they become too secure, too filled with pride, or even too eager to fall back upon external comforts.

It is better for you to live privately and take care of yourself than it is to neglect your soul even though you could work wonders in the world.

You do not grow in holiness because of the praise you receive, nor do you become evil because of the blame poured upon you.

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

Indeed it is not learning that makes a man holy and just, but a virtuous life makes him pleasing to God. I would rather feel contrition than know how to define it. For what would it profit us to know the whole Bible by heart and the principles of all the philosophers if we live without grace and the love of God? Vanity of vanities and all is vanity, except to love God and serve Him alone.

Your love for your friend should be grounded in Me, and for My sake you should love whoever seems to be good and is very dear to you in this life. Without Me friendship has no strength and cannot endure. Love which I do not bind is neither true nor pure.

We shall not be asked what we have read but what we have done; not how well we have spoken but how well we have lived.

Who hath a harder battle to fight than he who striveth for self-mastery?

Because our hearts are frivolous and because we ignore our faults we never discover the sickness in our souls, but idly we laugh when we have full reason to weep.

Do not trouble about those who are with you or against you, but take care that God be with you in everything you do.

We must not trust every word of others or feeling within ourselves, but cautiously and patiently try the matter, whether it be of God.

Two things especially lead to great improvement: the will to drag yourself from the things that will naturally harm you and the desire to pursue the good things that you need the most. You should also watch out for those things that irritate you in other people; when you see them in yourself, get rid of them. Turn everything to your advantage.

Unhappily we are so weak that we find it easier to believe and speak evil of others, rather than good.

let not the weight of the writer be a stumbling-block to thee, whether he be of little or much learning, but let the love of the pure Truth draw thee to read.

Pour un petit avantage, on entreprend une longue route; et pour la vie éternelle, à peine en trouve-t'on qui veuillent faire un pas.

by patience and true humility we become stronger than all our enemies.

Satan leaves unbelievers and sinners alone because he already has them in his grip; he goes after believers who are faithful and devout.

In the morning consider that you may not live till evening, and when evening comes do not dare to promise yourself the dawn.

Profound theology doesn't make anyone righteous; what pleases me is an exemplary life. Regret for wrongdoing is better than knowing its definition.

Est-ce faire beaucoup que de vous servir, vous que doivent servir toutes les créatures ? Cela doit me sembler peu de chose; mais ce qui me paraît grand et merveilleux, c'est que vous daigniez agréer le service d'une créature si pauvre et si misérable, et l'admettre parmi les serviteurs que vous aimez.

Mightily and long must a man strive within himself before he learn altogether to overcome himself, and to draw his whole affection towards God.