How seldom we weigh our neighbor in the same balance with ourselves.
Thomas A KempisRead
A sure way of retaining the grace of heaven is to disregard outward appearances, and diligently to cultivate such things as foster amendment of life and fervour of soul, rather than to cultivate those qualities that seem most popular.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Focus on inner qualities and spiritual growth rather than outward appearances and societal approval.
This quote emphasizes the importance of prioritizing inner virtue and spiritual development over superficial or popular traits. It suggests that true grace and fulfillment come from nurturing one's character and soul, rather than being swayed by what is merely fashionable or widely accepted.
Themes
GraceSoulAppearanceVirtueInner Growth
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about personal development and integrity.
More from Thomas A Kempis
All quotes →He 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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