Quotes By Thomas A Kempis

Gladly we desire to make other men perfect, but we will not amend our own fault.

All men commend patience, although few are willing to practice it.

Activate yourself to duty by remembering your position, who you are, and what you have obliged yourself to be.

The only safe ruler is he who has learned to obey willingly.

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

How quickly passes away the glory of this world.

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

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

Of two evils we must always choose the least.

Out of sight, out of mind. The absent are always in the wrong.

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

It is much safer to obey than to rule.

A man is hindered and distracted in proportion as he draws outward things to himself.

Purity and simplicity are the two wings with which man soars above the earth and all temporary nature.

Wait for the Lord. Behave yourself manfully, and be of good courage. Do not be faithless, but stay in your place and do not turn back.

No man ruleth safely but he that is willingly ruled.

Great tranquility of heart is his who cares for neither praise not blame.

But because many endeavor to get knowledge rather than to live well, they are often deceived and reap little or no benefit from their labor.

Of two evils, the less is always to be chosen.

Intelligence must follow faith, never precede it, and never destroy it.

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.

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

The acknowledgment of our weakness is the first step in repairing our loss.

At the Day of Judgment, we shall not be asked what we have read, but what we have done.

Man proposes, but God disposes.

He will easily be content and at peace, whose conscience is pure.

If you cannot mould yourself entirely as you would wish, how can you expect other people to be entirely to your liking?

Without the way, there is no going; without the truth, there is no knowing; without the life, there is no living.

What else does anxiety about the future bring you but sorrow upon sorrow?

I would far rather feel remorse than know how to define it.