Outward appearance Quote by Thomas à Kempis
““Therefore, neither confide in nor depend upon a wind-shaken reed, for “all flesh is grass” and all its glory, like the flower of grass, will fade away. You will quickly be deceived if you look only to the outward appearance of men, and you will often be disappointed if you seek comfort and gain in them.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Imitation of Christ, 1418, Christian Devotional Text
One should not trust or rely on fragile, worldly things, as all life is fleeting and appearances can be deceptive.
In simple terms: Do not trust superficial appearances; life is temporary.
Key Takeaway
Seek deeper, lasting values.
Themes
faith
impermanence
discernment
Mood
contemplative
serene
Type
spiritual
ethical
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- career choices
- material pursuits
Key Concepts
spirituality
philosophy
human frailty
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you discern lasting worth?
- What practices foster inner stability?
A Different Perspective
Over‑reliance on external validation can lead to disappointment.
![“[Leaves of Grass is] monstrous because it pretends to persuade the soul while it slights the intellect; because it pretends to gratify the feelings while it outrages the taste.” quote by Henry James](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/981/henry-james-417_bad-reviews_leaves-of-grass-is-monstrous-because-it_120303.jpg)
