Against the Tongues of Detractors

Name: Against the Tongues of Detractors
Author: Thomas à Kempis

The work addresses the challenges of dealing with criticism and the judgments of others. It emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and humility, urging the reader to recognize their own flaws rather than being overly concerned with external opinions. The text advocates for inner peace that is independent of human judgment, suggesting that true contentment comes from a relationship with the divine rather than from societal approval. The author encourages the reader to maintain silence during difficult times and to focus on internal spiritual growth. By turning inward and seeking solace in a higher power, one can avoid the turmoil caused by the judgments of others. The work highlights that both praise and blame from others should not dictate one's self-worth or peace of mind. The text further explores the idea that excessive attachment to the opinions of others leads to anxiety and distraction. It posits that genuine peace and glory are found in a connection with the divine, rather than in the fleeting approval of people. The reader is reminded that the pursuit of pleasing others can lead to inner turmoil, while a focus on spiritual fulfillment fosters tranquility. Ultimately, the work serves as a guide for navigating the complexities of human relationships and the impact of external judgments. It calls for a deep-seated understanding of one's identity rooted in spiritual truth, encouraging the reader to rise above the noise of criticism and to cultivate a steadfast inner peace.

By Thomas à Kempis · First published 1441 · Genre: Spiritual/Religious, Philosophical, Devotional · 173 words

First lines

"My Son, take it not sadly to heart, if any think ill of thee, and say of thee what thou art unwilling to hear. Thou oughtest to think worse of thyself, and to believe no man weaker than thyself. If thou walkest inwardly, thou wilt not weigh flying words above their value. It is no small prudence to keep silence in an evil time and to turn inwardly unto Me, and not to be troubled by human judgment.

What this Textopian page supports

Against the Tongues of Detractors is listed on Textopian as an essay by Thomas à Kempis, dated 1441 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Essay
Author: Thomas à Kempis
Date: 1441 CE
Language: English
Genres: Spiritual/Religious, Philosophical, Devotional, Self-help, Meditative
Length: 173 words
Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Spiritual/Religious — The text focuses on inner peace, self-reflection, and the relationship with the divine, which are central themes in spiritual literature.
Philosophical — The work explores concepts of self-perception, judgment, and the nature of peace, aligning with philosophical inquiry.
Devotional — The content serves as a guide for personal devotion and spiritual growth, typical of devotional literature.
Self-help — The advice given aims to help individuals cope with external judgment and find inner strength, akin to self-help themes.