Quotes & anectdotes from the wise, the foolish, the courageous & the drunk

Thomas a Kempis Author

  • Gender: Male
  • Citizenship: Germany
  • Born: Jan 1, 1380
  • Died: Jul 25, 1471

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.

Wait for the Lord. Behave yourself manfully, and be of good courage. Do not be faithless, but stay in your place and do not turn back. courage

Oh, how great peace and quietness would he possess who should cut off all vain anxiety and place all his confidence in God. peace

Intelligence must follow faith, never precede it, and never destroy it. faith & intelligence

But because many endeavor to get knowledge rather than to live well, they are often deceived and reap little or no benefit from their labor. knowledge

All men commend patience, although few are willing to practice it. men & patience

First keep peace with yourself, then you can also bring peace to others. peace

He will easily be content and at peace, whose conscience is pure. peace

Without the way, there is no going without the truth, there is no knowing without the life, there is no living. truth

The loftier the building, the deeper must the foundation be laid. architecture

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

An humble knowledge of thyself is a surer way to God than a deep search after learning. knowledge & learning

What else does anxiety about the future bring you but sorrow upon sorrow? the future & sadness

St. Patrick's Day March 17, 2025

There is no language like the Irish for soothing and quieting. 3 quotes from John Millington Synge

3 quotes from John Millington Synge

Being Irish, he had an abiding sense of tragedy, which sustained him through temporary periods of joy. 28 other views from William Butler Yeats

28 other views from William Butler Yeats

Geographically, Ireland is a medium-sized rural island that is slowly but steadily being consumed by sheep. 27 other sayings from Dave Barry

27 other sayings from Dave Barry

We have always found the Irish a bit odd. They refuse to be English. 74 more thoughts from Winston Churchill

74 more thoughts from Winston Churchill