Thomas à Kempis

Who was Thomas à Kempis?

Thomas à Kempis, C.R.S.A. was a German canon regular of the late medieval period and the most probable author of The Imitation of Christ, which is one of the best known Christian books on devotion. His name means "Thomas of Kempen", his hometown, and in German he is known as Thomas von Kempen. He also is known by various spellings of his family name: Thomas Haemerkken; Thomas Hammerlein; Thomas Hemerken and Thomas Hämerken.

Famous Quotes:

• Whatever you do, do it with intelligence, and keep the end in view.
• 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.
• 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.
• Be not angry that you cannot make another what you wish them to be; since you cannot make yourself what you wish to be.
• 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.
• He has great tranquillity of heart who cares neither for the praises nor the fault-finding of men.
• Pass no rash condemnation on other peoples words or actions.
• If your heart were sincere and upright, every creature would be unto you a looking-glass of life and a book of holy doctrine.
• It is vanity to desire a long life and to take no heed of a good life.