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
A mind of moderate capacity which closely pursues one study must infallibly arrive at great proficiency in that study.
Mary Wollstonecraft ShelleyRead
If there is any verse that you would like left out of the Bible, that is the verse that ought to stick to you, like a blister, until you really attend to its teaching.
Charles SpurgeonRead
I believe that reading and writing are the most nourishing forms of meditation anyone has so far found. By reading the writings of the most interesting minds in history, we meditate with our own minds and theirs as well. This to me is a miracle.
Kurt VonnegutRead
On every level of life, from housework to heights of prayer, in all judgment and efforts to get things done, hurry and impatience are sure marks of the amateur.
Evelyn UnderhillRead
We have to cultivate contentment with what we have. We really don't need much. When you know this, the mind settles down. Cultivate generosity. Delight in giving. Learn to live lightly. In this way, we can begin to transform what is negative into what is positive. This is how we start to grow up.
Tenzin PalmoRead
What else is there for me to conquer? Hopefully my ego. How will I know when I've succeeded? When I stop caring what anyone thinks.
Madonna CicconeRead