How seldom we weigh our neighbor in the same balance with ourselves.
Thomas A KempisRead
We usually know what we can do, but temptation shows us who we are.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that our true character is revealed through our temptations and actions when faced with choices.
Thomas A Kempis's quote emphasizes the idea that while we may have an understanding of our capabilities, it is in the face of temptation that our true selves emerge. Our choices during challenging moments reveal our values, desires, and character, showing us the essence of who we really are beyond mere potential.
Themes
TemptationCharacterIdentityChoiceSelf-Discovery
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared in a motivational talk about personal growth and integrity.
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
Similar quotes
Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be. Be one.
Marcus AureliusRead
It is a good divine that follows his own instructions.
William ShakespeareRead
Fed on the dry husks of facts, the human heart has a hidden want which science cannot supply.
William OslerRead
Only a stomach that rarely feels hungry scorns common things.
HoraceRead
Men of lofty genius sometimes accomplish the most when they work least, for their minds are occupied with their ideas and the perfection of their conceptions, to which they afterwards give form.
Leonardo Da VinciRead
The way people look at me these days - that's the same way I looked at President Obama before I met him. We tend to forget that people who've attained a certain position are human.
Kendrick LamarRead