Thomas a Kempis

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

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

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

“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.”

“Man proposes, but God disposes.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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