A biography for Thomas a Kempishasn’t been written yet.
“Be assured that if you knew all, you would pardon all.”
“Remember that lost time does not return.”
“How seldom we weigh our neighbor in the same balance with ourselves.”
“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.”
“How quickly passes away the glory of this world.”
“Bear the Cross cheerfully and it will bear you.”
“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.”
“He will easily be content and at peace, whose conscience is pure.”
“All men commend patience, although few are willing to practice it.”
“Who has a harder fight than he who is striving to overcome himself.”
“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.”
“Oh, how great peace and quietness would he possess who should cut off all vain anxiety and place all his confidence in God.”
“What most of all hinders heavenly consolation is that you are too slow in turning yourself to prayer.”
“What else does anxiety about the future bring you but sorrow upon sorrow?”
“Never be entirely idle; but either be reading, or writing, or praying or meditating or endeavoring something for the public good.”
“Oh, how swiftly the glory of the world passes away!”
“No man ruleth safely but he that is willingly ruled.”
“Activate yourself to duty by remembering your position, who you are, and what you have obliged yourself to be.”
“The loftier the building, the deeper must the foundation be laid.”