Quotes from Thomas a Kempis

What canst thou see elsewhere which thou canst not see here? Behold the heaven and the earth and all the elements; for of these are all things created.

Be not angry that you cannot make another what you wish them to be; since you cannot make yourself what you wish to be.

He has great tranquillity of heart who cares neither for the praises nor the fault-finding of men.

Love feels no burden, thinks nothing of trouble, attempts what is above its strength.... It is therefore able to undertake all things, and it completes many things, and warrants them to take effect, where he who does not love would faint and lie down.

Love is swift, sincere, pious, joyful, generous, strong, patient, faithful, prudent, long-suffering, courageous, and never seeking its own; for wheresoever a person seeketh his own, there he falleth from love.

Remember, your prerogative is to govern, and not to serve the things of this world.

The intention which is fixed on God as its only end will keep people steady in their purposes, and deliver them from being the joke and scorn of fortune.

Whatever you do, do it with intelligence, and keep the end in view.

Be not angry that you cannot make others as you wish them to be, since you cannot make yourself as you wish to be.

If God were our one and only desire we would not be so easily upset when our opinions do not find outside acceptance.

The more humble and obedient to God a man is, the more wise and at peace he will be in all that he does.

All men desire peace, but very few desire those things that make for peace.