How seldom we weigh our neighbor in the same balance with ourselves.
Thomas A KempisRead
A man is hindered and distracted in proportion as he draws outward things to himself.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Focusing too much on external possessions can lead to distraction and hinder personal growth.
This quote suggests that when individuals become overly attached to material possessions and external circumstances, it can impede their clarity of thought and spiritual development. True fulfillment comes from within, and the more one seeks validation and distractions from the outside world, the less they are able to focus on their inner peace and growth.
Themes
DistractionInner PeaceMaterialismGrowthFocus
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about minimalism and reducing distractions, this quote can emphasize the importance of focusing on inner values.
More from Thomas A Kempis
All quotes βHe will easily be content and at peace, whose conscience is pure.
Thomas A KempisRead
Trust not to your feelings for whatever they might be now, they will quickly be changed towards some other thing.
Thomas A KempisRead
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.
Thomas A KempisRead
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 KempisRead
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.
Thomas A KempisRead
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