--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Old custom is hard to break and scarce…" description: "\"Old custom is hard to break and scarce any man will be led otherwise than seemeth good unto himself.\" — Thomas a Kempis" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/12d/thomas-a-kempis-721_break_old-custom-is-hard-to-break-and-scarce-a_458868.png" --- # Old custom is hard to break and scarce any man will be led… ![“Old custom is hard to break and scarce any man will be led otherwise than seemeth good unto himself.” quote by Thomas a Kempis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/12d/thomas-a-kempis-721_break_old-custom-is-hard-to-break-and-scarce-a_458868.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/12d/thomas-a-kempis-721_break_old-custom-is-hard-to-break-and-scarce-a_458868.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/12d/thomas-a-kempis-721_break_old-custom-is-hard-to-break-and-scarce-a_458868.png) > “Old custom is hard to break and scarce any man will be led otherwise than seemeth good unto himself.” [Thomas a Kempis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-a-kempis/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. People cling to familiar habits even when they harm them, because they appear comfortable and self‑justifying. **In simple terms:** Hard‑to‑break habits seem good to us. Key Takeaway Question habits, seek better alternatives. Themes habit self‑deception comfort change Mood reflective cautious Type advice philosophical When to use this quote - personal growth - relationship decisions - career shifts - health choices Key Concepts psychology behavioral inertia self‑justification Questions to Reflect On - What habit feels safe but limits you? - How can you test if a habit truly serves you? A Different Perspective Habits may be rationalized as beneficial despite evidence to the contrary. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Customs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/customs/) [Inspirational](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/inspirational/) [Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men/) [Tradition](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/tradition/) ## Related quotes > [Scarce any man becomes eminently disagreeable but by a departure from his real character, and an attempt at something for which nature or education…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-johnson/scarce-any-man-becomes-eminently-disagreeable-but-by-a-departure-from/) [Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-johnson/) > [Affliction is a treasure, and scarce any man hath enough of it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-donne/affliction-is-a-treasure-and-scarce-any-man-hath-enough-of-it/) [John Donne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-donne/) > [Custom is, nevertheless, the greatest enchantress, and in a home one of the most benevolent of fairies. 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