Affliction Quote by Thomas à Kempis
““The cross, therefore, is always ready; it awaits you everywhere. "No matter where you may go, you cannot escape it, for wherever you go you take yourself with you and shall always find yourself." Turn where you will -- above, below, without, or within -- you will find a cross in everything, and everywhere you must have patience if you would have peace within and merit an eternal crown.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Imitation of Christ, Thomas à Kempis, 1418
Spiritual truths are ever‑present; wherever you go, you carry your inner self and thus encounter the same challenges and opportunities for growth.
In simple terms: Life’s lessons follow you everywhere.
Key Takeaway
Seek inner peace through patience.
Themes
spirituality
inner growth
patience
eternity
Mood
contemplative
hopeful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal crises
- daily routines
- meditative practice
- decision making
Key Concepts
Christian mysticism
self‑reflection
karma
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you recognize the “cross” in everyday moments?
- What practices help you cultivate patience?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor may be too abstract for non‑religious readers.
![“May I strike my heart's keys clearly, and may none fail because of slack, uncertain, or fraying strings. May the tears that stream down my face make me more radiant: may my hidden weeping bloom… How we waste our afflictions!... [T]hey're really our wintering foliage, our dark greens of meaning…” quote by Rainer Maria Rilke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7c7/rainer-maria-rilke-193_abode_may-i-strike-my-heart-s-keys-clearly-and_52479.jpg)
