Inspirational Quotes by Thomas a Kempis (German Religious Writer)

Inspirational Quotations by Thomas a Kempis (German Religious Writer)

Thomas à Kempis (1379–1471,) also Thomas Hemerken or Hämmerlein, was a German religious clergyman and writer.

Named after his birthplace Kempen, near Cologne, Kempis entered the Augustinian convent of Agnietenberg near Zwolle in the Netherlands, took holy orders in 1413, was chosen sub-prior in 1429, devoted his life to copying manuscripts and to directing novices, and died as Superior.

Kempis wrote sermons, ascetical treatises, pious biographies, letters and hymns, and above all, the influential devotional work Imitatio Christ (c.1415–24; The Imitation of Christ.) Often considered the most influential work in Christian literature after the Holy Bible, over 1,800 editions were published by 1779. Renowned for its simple language and style, Imitatio Christi emphasizes the spiritual rather than the materialistic life, encourages the rewards of being Christ-centered, and supports Communion as a means to strengthen faith.

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There is no man in this world without some manner of tribulation or anguish, though he be king or pope.
—Thomas a Kempis
Topics: Acceptance, Opportunities, Reality

A man that is well ordered in his soul needeth little the unkind demeanor of worldly people nor yet their proud behavior.
—Thomas a Kempis
Topics: Behavior

Purity and simplicity are the two wings with which man soars above the earth and all temporary nature.—Simplicity is in the intention; purity in the affection: simplicity turns to God; purity unites with and enjoys him.
—Thomas a Kempis
Topics: Simplicity

Without labor there is no rest, nor without fighting can the victory be won.
—Thomas a Kempis
Topics: Labor

Influence never dies; every act, emotion, look and word makes influence tell for good or evil, happiness or woe, through the long future of eternity.
—Thomas a Kempis
Topics: Influence

He is truly great who hath a great charity.
—Thomas a Kempis
Topics: Charity

How seldom we weigh our neighbors in the same balance as ourselves.
—Thomas a Kempis
Topics: Hypocrisy

As iron put into the fire loseth its rust and becometh clearly red-hot, so he that wholly turneth himself unto God puts off all slothfulness, and is transformed into a new man.
—Thomas a Kempis
Topics: Adversity

Whoever puts his confidence in men or in any creature is very foolish.
—Thomas a Kempis
Topics: Confidence

The highest and most profitable learning is the knowledge of ourselves. To have a low opinion of our own merits, and to think highly of others, is an evidence of wisdom. All men are frail, but thou shouldst reckon none so frail as thyself.
—Thomas a Kempis
Topics: Self-Knowledge

If you cast away one cross, you will certainly find another, and perhaps a heavier.
—Thomas a Kempis
Topics: Acceptance

Many deceive themselves, imagining they’ll find happiness in change.
—Thomas a Kempis
Topics: Change

Peace and happiness are what you covet, but these are only to be obtained by labor.
—Thomas a Kempis
Topics: Peace

A humble knowledge of oneself is a surer road to God than a deep searching of the sciences.
—Thomas a Kempis
Topics: God, Awareness, Identity, Self-Knowledge, Divinity, Faith

When out of sight, quickly also out of mind.
—Thomas a Kempis

He that well and rightly considereth his own works will find little cause to judge hardly of another.
—Thomas a Kempis

Anyone who thinks hard work will never hurt you has never had to pay to have it done. Jesus now has many lovers of his Heavenly Kingdom, but few bearers of his cross.
—Thomas a Kempis
Topics: Work

He will easily be content and at peace, whose conscience is pure.
—Thomas a Kempis
Topics: Conscience

Do not let your peace depend on the hearts of men; whatever they say about you, good or bad, you are not because of it another man, for as you are, you are.
—Thomas a Kempis
Topics: Acceptance, Peace, Awareness, Realization

Bear the Cross cheerfully and it will bear you.
—Thomas a Kempis
Topics: Christians, Christianity

The better you understand yourself the less cause you will find to love yourself.
—Thomas a Kempis
Topics: Identity

If you bear the cross unwillingly, you make it a burden, and load yourself more heavily; but you must bear it.
—Thomas a Kempis
Topics: Acceptance

It is much safer to obey, than to govern.
—Thomas a Kempis
Topics: Obedience

Set me free from evil passions, and heal my heart of all inordinate affections; that being inwardly cured and thoroughly cleansed, I may be made fit to love, courageous to suffer, steady to persevere.
—Thomas a Kempis
Topics: Freedom

Whatever you do, do it with intelligence, and keep the end in view.
—Thomas a Kempis
Topics: Intelligence, Goals

Adversities do not make a man frail. They show what sort of man he is.
—Thomas a Kempis
Topics: Adversity

Love feels no burden, thinks nothing of trouble, attempts what is above its strength, pleads no excuse of impossibility; for it thinks all things lawful for itself, and all things possible.
—Thomas a Kempis
Topics: Possibilities, Love

What else does anxiety about the future bring you but sorrow upon sorrow?
—Thomas a Kempis
Topics: Future

Man proposes, but God disposes.
—Thomas a Kempis
Topics: God, Destiny, Purpose

Purity and simplicity are the two wings with which man soars above the earth and all temporary nature.
—Thomas a Kempis
Topics: Simplicity