Of Instability of the Heart, and of Directing th
The work addresses the inherent instability of human emotions and the necessity of focusing one's intentions towards a higher spiritual goal. It emphasizes that feelings are transient and can lead to a fluctuating state of being—joy can turn to sadness, peace to unrest, and devotion to indifference. The text advocates for a wise approach to life, where one rises above these emotional changes by maintaining a steadfast focus on a divine purpose. The central theme revolves around the purity of intention. A clear and singular focus on spiritual aims allows an individual to navigate life's challenges without being swayed by external circumstances. The text warns against the common tendency to seek personal gratification, which can cloud one's vision and lead to a loss of direction. It uses the example of the Jews who sought Lazarus rather than Jesus to illustrate how misplaced intentions can divert one from true spiritual engagement. The work encourages self-examination and the cleansing of one's intentions to ensure they are aligned with a higher calling. It suggests that a pure intention acts as a guiding light through life's storms, enabling one to remain unshaken amidst the chaos of emotions and worldly distractions. The ultimate goal is to cultivate a heart that is consistently directed towards God, transcending the instability of human feelings.
By Thomas à Kempis · First published 1941 · Genre: Spirituality, Philosophy, Religious · 297 words
First lines
"My Son, trust not thy feeling, for that which is now will be quickly changed into somewhat else. As long as thou livest thou art subject to change, howsoever unwilling; so that thou art found now joyful, now sad; now at peace, now disquieted; now devout, now indevout; now studious, now careless; now sad, now cheerful. But the wise man, and he who is truly learned in spirit, standeth above these changeable things, attentive not to what he may feel in himself, or from what quarter the wind may blow, but that the whole intent of his mind may carry him on to the due and much-desired end. For thus will he be able to remain one and the same and unshaken, the single eye of his desire being steadfastly fixed, through the manifold changes of the world, upon Me.
What this Textopian page supports
Of Instability of the Heart, and of Directing the Aim Towards God is listed on Textopian as an essay by Thomas à Kempis, dated 1941 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: 1941 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Spirituality, Philosophy, Religious, Self-help, Meditative
- Length: 297 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Of Instability of the Heart, and of Directing the Aim Towards God by Thomas à Kempis
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Of Instability of the Heart, and of Directing the Aim Towards God?
- How does this essay by Thomas à Kempis fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Spirituality first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Of Works Of Charity by Thomas A. Kempis
- That We Ought To Offer Ourselves And All That Is Ours To God And To Pray For All by Thomas A. Kempis
- Of The Love Of Solitude And Silence by Thomas A. Kempis
- Against The Tongues Of Detractors by Thomas A. Kempis
- Of Hiding Our Grace Under The Guard Of Humility by Thomas A. Kempis
- That It Is Sweet To Despise The World And To Serve God by Thomas A. Kempis
Genres
- Spirituality — The text focuses on the relationship between the individual and God, emphasizing the importance of spiritual intention and devotion.
- Philosophy — It explores themes of change, stability, and the nature of human emotions, reflecting philosophical inquiries into the human condition.
- Religious — The work is deeply rooted in Christian teachings and reflects on the pursuit of divine connection.
- Self-help — It offers guidance on maintaining focus and intention amidst life's emotional fluctuations, akin to self-improvement literature.
Tags
Christianity · Spirituality · Meditation · Devotional · Philosophy · Theology · Faith · God · Heart · Instability · Stability · Wisdom
More by Thomas à Kempis
- Of the Imitation of Christ, and of Contempt of the World and all its Vanities (1441)
- Of Thinking Humbly of Oneself (1441)
- Of the Knowledge of Truth (1441)
- Of Prudence in Action (1518)
- Of the Reading of Holy Scripture (1441)
- Of Inordinate Affections (1441)
- Of Fleeing from Vain Hope and Pride (1940)
- Of the Danger of too Much Familiarity (1904)
- All works by Thomas à Kempis