Of Contempt of all Temporal Honour

Name: Of Contempt of all Temporal Honour
Author: Thomas à Kempis

The work emphasizes the importance of spiritual humility and the rejection of worldly honors. It encourages the reader to focus on their relationship with the divine rather than seeking validation from others. The text asserts that true peace and strength come from accepting one's lowly status and recognizing the transient nature of earthly accolades. The author discusses the futility of seeking honor and the dangers of vanity, suggesting that such pursuits lead to spiritual blindness. Instead, the reader is urged to lift their heart to the divine, finding solace in the knowledge that contempt from others is inconsequential when one is aligned with a higher purpose. The narrative reflects on the nature of sin and the just consequences that arise from it. The author acknowledges personal failings and the rightful disdain that may come from others as a result. However, this acknowledgment is framed as a path to deeper understanding and connection with the divine. The text advocates for a mindset that embraces humility, suggesting that true fulfillment comes from a willingness to be disregarded by the world. It posits that only by relinquishing the desire for recognition can one attain spiritual enlightenment and unity with the divine. Throughout the work, the themes of self-examination, the rejection of vanity, and the pursuit of inner peace are interwoven. The reader is encouraged to confront their own shortcomings and to view contempt from others as an opportunity for growth rather than a source of sorrow. Ultimately, the work serves as a guide for those seeking to navigate the complexities of human honor and divine love, urging a focus on eternal values over temporal ones. It calls for a radical reorientation of priorities, where the pursuit of spiritual truth supersedes the allure of worldly status.

By Thomas à Kempis · First published 1441 · Genre: Spiritual Literature, Philosophical Treatise, Devotional Writing · 185 words

First lines

"My Son, make it no matter of thine, if thou see others honoured and exalted, and thyself despised and humbled. Lift up thine heart to Me in heaven, and then the contempt of men upon earth will not make thee sad."

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Of Contempt of all Temporal Honour is listed on Textopian as an essay by Thomas à Kempis, dated 1441 CE.

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Work type: Essay
Author: Thomas à Kempis
Date: 1441 CE
Language: English
Genres: Spiritual Literature, Philosophical Treatise, Devotional Writing, Religious Instruction, Meditative Prose
Length: 185 words
Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Genres

Spiritual Literature — The text focuses on the relationship between the individual and the divine, emphasizing humility and the rejection of worldly honor.
Philosophical Treatise — It explores themes of self-reflection, the nature of honor, and the human condition in relation to divine expectations.
Devotional Writing — The work serves as a guide for personal devotion and spiritual growth, encouraging readers to seek inner peace through humility.
Religious Instruction — It provides moral and ethical guidance based on Christian principles, focusing on the importance of contempt for temporal honors.