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Endeavor to be always patient of the faults and imperfections of others; for thou hast many faults and imperfections of thine own that require forbearance. If thou art not able to make thyself that which thou wishest, how canst thou expect to mold another in conformity to thy will?
Thomas A Kempis
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Be patient with others' flaws, as you have your own shortcomings.

This quote emphasizes the importance of understanding and accepting the imperfections of others, while acknowledging our own faults. It suggests that if we struggle to improve ourselves, we should not expect others to change according to our expectations, promoting a message of humility and compassion in our relationships.

Themes

PatienceForbearanceImperfectionsHumilityUnderstanding

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about interpersonal conflicts, one might say, 'Remember, endeavor to be always patient of the faults of others.'

More from Thomas A Kempis

How seldom we weigh our neighbor in the same balance with ourselves.
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He will easily be content and at peace, whose conscience is pure.
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Trust not to your feelings for whatever they might be now, they will quickly be changed towards some other thing.
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Jesus has many who love the kingdom of God, but few who bear a cross. He has many who desire His comfort, but few who desire His suffering. All want to rejoice with him, but few are willing to suffer for Him. He writes; there are many who admire his miracles, but there are few who follow in the humiliation of the cross.
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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.
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He has great tranquillity of heart who cares neither for the praises nor the fault-finding of men. He will easily be content and pacified, whose conscience is pure. You are not holier if you are praised, nor the more worthless if you are found fault with. What you are, that you are; neither by word can you be made greater than what you are in the sight of God.
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