How seldom we weigh our neighbor in the same balance with ourselves.
Thomas A KempisRead
Be not angry that you cannot make others as you wish them to be, since you cannot make yourself as you wish to be.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Accept that change in others is beyond your control, as you also struggle to change yourself.
This quote reflects the struggle of human nature in seeking to control others while also grappling with our own imperfections. It encourages humility and self-acceptance, reminding us that instead of trying to change those around us, we should focus on our own personal growth and understanding our limitations.
Themes
AcceptanceSelf-GrowthHumilityChangeControl
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about personal development during a workshop.
More from Thomas A Kempis
All quotes →He 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
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