Of Self-Denial, and the Casting Away all Selfish
The text emphasizes the necessity of self-denial for achieving true freedom and spiritual fulfillment. It asserts that attachment to material wealth, self-love, and worldly desires leads to enslavement. The pursuit of comfort and superficial pleasures distracts from the path of Christ. The author encourages a complete renunciation of earthly desires, suggesting that true rest and fulfillment come from surrendering to divine will. The work highlights the importance of striving for higher spiritual aims rather than being discouraged by the challenges of achieving perfection. It calls for a readiness to follow divine guidance and the authority placed over the individual. The text stresses that many things must be relinquished to attain spiritual wealth, which is characterized as heavenly wisdom that values the eternal over the temporal. The author contrasts earthly wisdom, which is often esteemed by society, with true wisdom that is humble and often overlooked. This true wisdom is likened to a precious pearl, hidden from those who seek glory and recognition. The message is clear: to gain spiritual richness, one must be willing to exchange worldly values for those that are often deemed insignificant by society. Ultimately, the work serves as a guide for those seeking a deeper relationship with the divine, urging them to prioritize spiritual over material pursuits and to embrace a life of humility and self-denial. The path to true joy and peace lies in the complete surrender of self and the embrace of divine wisdom.
By Thomas à Kempis · First published 1904 · Genre: Spirituality, Religious, Philosophy · 442 words
First lines
"My Son, thou canst not possess perfect liberty unless thou altogether deny thyself. All they are enslaved who are possessors of riches, they who love themselves, the selfish, the curious, the restless; those who ever seek after soft things, and not after the things of Jesus Christ; those who continually plan and devise that which will not stand. For whatsoever cometh not of God shall perish. Hold fast the short and complete saying, ‘Renounce all things, and thou shalt find all things; give up thy lust, and thou shalt find rest. ' Dwell upon this in thy mind, and when thou art full of it, thou shalt understand all things."
What this Textopian page supports
Of Self-Denial, and the Casting Away all Selfishness is listed on Textopian as an essay by Thomas à Kempis, dated 1904 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: 1904 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Spirituality, Religious, Philosophy, Devotional, Self-help
- Length: 442 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Of Self-Denial, and the Casting Away all Selfishness 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 Self-Denial, and the Casting Away all Selfishness?
- 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
- That Man Must Not Be Immersed In Business by Thomas A. Kempis
- Of Pure And Entire Resignation Of Self For The Obtaining Liberty Of Heart by Thomas A. Kempis
- Of Not Troubling Ourselves About Outward Things by Thomas A. Kempis
- That The Desires Of The Heart Are To Be Examined And Governed by Thomas A. Kempis
- Of Thinking Humbly Of Oneself by Thomas A. Kempis
- That The Grace Of God Doth Not Join Itself To Those Who Mind Earthly Things by Thomas A. Kempis
Genres
- Spirituality — The text focuses on self-denial and the pursuit of spiritual wisdom, emphasizing the importance of renouncing worldly desires.
- Religious — The work is deeply rooted in Christian teachings, discussing themes of selflessness and devotion to God.
- Philosophy — It presents philosophical reflections on the nature of self, desire, and the pursuit of true fulfillment.
- Devotional — The text serves as a guide for personal devotion and spiritual growth, encouraging readers to seek a deeper relationship with God.
Tags
Christianity · Spirituality · Self-Improvement · Meditations · Devotional · Philosophy · Theology · Faith · Discipline · Humility · Sacrifice · Renunciation
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