Army Quote by Thomas a Kempis
“It is thy duty often times to do what thou wouldst not; thy duty too, to leave undone that thou wouldst do.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Imitation of Christ, 1418
One must sometimes act against personal desire and also refrain from actions one wishes to do.
In simple terms: Duty includes both doing and not doing certain things.
Key Takeaway
Balance duty and desire.
Themes
duty
self‑control
conflict
Mood
reflective
spiritual
Type
religious
ethical
When to use this quote
- personal decisions
- spiritual practice
- leadership
Key Concepts
moral duty
inner conflict
Questions to Reflect On
- When should you obey duty over desire?
- How to discern necessary restraint?
A Different Perspective
Rigid duty can suppress authenticity.
![“I can't imagine that I would be asked that by the president-elect [Donald Trump], or then-president [Barack Obama]. But it's - I'm very clear. I voted for the change that put the Army Field Manual in place as a member of Congress. I understand that law very, very quickly and am also deeply aware…” quote by James Mattis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/761/james-mattis-9515_army_i-can-t-imagine-that-i-would-be-asked-th_3990.jpg)
