Thomas à Kempis (1379–1471,) also Thomas Hemerken or Hämmerlein, was a German religious clergyman and writer.
Named after his birthplace Kempen, near Cologne, Kempis entered the Augustinian convent of Agnietenberg near Zwolle in the Netherlands, took holy orders in 1413, was chosen sub-prior in 1429, devoted his life to copying manuscripts and to directing novices, and died as Superior.
Kempis wrote sermons, ascetical treatises, pious biographies, letters and hymns, and above all the influential devotional work Imitatio Christ (c.1415–24; The Imitation of Christ.) Often considered the most influential work in Christian literature after the Holy Bible, over 1,800 editions were published by 1779. Renowned for its simple language and style, Imitatio Christi lays emphasis on the spiritual rather than the materialistic life, encourages the rewards of being Christ-centered, and supports Communion as a means to strengthen faith.
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Life without a purpose is a languid, drifting thing; every day we ought to review our purpose, saying to ourselves, ‘This day let me make a sound beginning, for what we have hitherto done is naught!’
—Thomas a Kempis
Topics: Purpose
Know all and you will pardon all.
—Thomas a Kempis
Topics: Forgiveness
A wise lover values not so much the gift of the lover as the love of the giver.
—Thomas a Kempis
Topics: Gifts
Influence never dies; every act, emotion, look and word makes influence tell for good or evil, happiness or woe, through the long future of eternity.
—Thomas a Kempis
It is vanity to desire a long life and to take no heed of a good life.
—Thomas a Kempis
Topics: Life and Living
Choose rather to want less, than to have more.
—Thomas a Kempis
It is much safer to obey, than to govern.
—Thomas a Kempis
O Lord, you know what is best for me. Let this or that be done, as you please. Give what you will, how much you will, and when you will.
—Thomas a Kempis
Topics: Prayer
What else does anxiety about the future bring you but sorrow upon sorrow?
—Thomas a Kempis
Topics: Future
The reflections on a day well spent furnish us with joys more pleasing than ten thousand triumphs.
—Thomas a Kempis
Topics: Reflection