Thomas à Kempis

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

He who loves with purity considers not the gift of the lover, but the love of the giver.

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

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

What most of all hinders heavenly consolation is that you are too slow in turning yourself to prayer.

We usually know what we can do, but temptation shows us who we are.

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

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

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.

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.

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

Bear the Cross cheerfully and it will bear you.

How quickly passes away the glory of this world.

Be assured that if you knew all, you would pardon all.

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

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

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

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

Man proposes, but God disposes.

How seldom we weigh our neighbor in the same balance with ourselves.

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

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.

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

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

Who has a harder fight than he who is striving to overcome himself.

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.

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

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

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

Of two evils we must always choose the least.

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

It is much safer to obey than to rule.

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

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

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

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

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

Remember that lost time does not return.

Oh, how great peace and quietness would he possess who should cut off all vain anxiety and place all his confidence in God.

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

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

No man ruleth safely but he that is willingly ruled.