That Man Must not be Immersed in Business

Name: That Man Must not be Immersed in Business
Author: Thomas à Kempis

The text emphasizes the importance of spiritual commitment over worldly pursuits. It begins with an exhortation to trust in divine guidance, suggesting that human planning is often futile compared to divine arrangement. The author reflects on the tendency of individuals to chase after desires, only to find dissatisfaction upon achieving them. This cycle of desire highlights the transient nature of worldly attachments. Self-denial is presented as a pathway to true freedom and safety. The text warns against the constant presence of temptation, urging vigilance and prayer to avoid falling into traps set by malevolent forces. The overarching theme is the contrast between the fleeting nature of earthly ambitions and the enduring value of spiritual devotion. The work advocates for a life focused on inner peace and alignment with divine will, rather than being consumed by the distractions of business and material concerns. Ultimately, the message is one of prioritizing spiritual growth and self-control, recognizing that true fulfillment comes from a commitment to higher principles rather than the pursuit of temporal gains. The call to resist temptation and cultivate a deeper relationship with the divine serves as a guiding principle throughout the text.

By Thomas à Kempis · First published 1516 · Genre: Spirituality, Philosophy, Religious · 222 words

First lines

"My Son, always commit thy cause to Me; I will dispose it aright in due time. Wait for My arrangement of it, and then thou shalt find it for thy profit."

O Lord, right freely I commit all things to Thee; for my planning can profit but little. Oh that I did not dwell so much on future events, but could offer myself altogether to Thy pleasures without delay.

"My Son, a man often striveth vehemently after somewhat which he desireth; but when he hath obtained it he beginneth to be of another mind, because his affections towards it are not lasting, but rather rush on from one thing to another. Therefore it is not really a small thing, when in small things we resist self."

What this Textopian page supports

That Man Must not be Immersed in Business is listed on Textopian as an essay by Thomas à Kempis, dated 1516 CE.

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Work type: Essay
Author: Thomas à Kempis
Date: 1516 CE
Language: English
Genres: Spirituality, Philosophy, Religious, Self-help, Meditation
Length: 222 words
Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Spirituality — The text emphasizes reliance on divine guidance and self-denial, central themes in spiritual literature.
Philosophy — It explores the nature of desire, self-control, and the human condition, aligning with philosophical inquiry.
Religious — The work reflects Christian teachings and moral guidance, making it relevant to religious literature.
Self-help — It offers advice on personal growth and overcoming temptation, akin to self-help literature.