Thomas a Kempis

Date of Birth: c. 1380

Zodiac Sign: Unknown

Date of Death: July 25, 1471

Biography

Thomas à Kempis, born Thomas Hemerken, was a German-Dutch canon regular of the late medieval period and a noted spiritual writer. He is best known for his work “The Imitation of Christ,” which is one of the most widely read Christian devotional books. Born in Kempen, Germany, around 1380, he joined the Brothers of the Common Life in Deventer, Netherlands, where he was deeply influenced by the Devotio Moderna movement. This movement emphasized a return to the practices of early Christianity, focusing on piety, humility, and devotion. Thomas à Kempis spent most of his life at the Monastery of Mount St. Agnes near Zwolle, where he worked as a copyist and writer. His works reflect a deep personal piety, a commitment to a simple and devout life, and an intimate relationship with God. He passed away on July 25, 1471, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence Christian spirituality to this day.

5 Interesting Facts about Thomas a Kempis

1. Thomas à Kempis is believed to have copied the entire Bible by hand at least four times during his lifetime.

2. “The Imitation of Christ” has been translated into numerous languages and has inspired countless readers, including notable figures such as Ignatius of Loyola and John Wesley.

3. He was deeply influenced by the Devotio Moderna movement, which sought to reform the Church through a return to the simplicity and purity of early Christianity.

4. Despite his widespread influence, much of his life remains shrouded in mystery, and many details are known only through his writings and the records of his monastic community.

5. Thomas à Kempis’ works emphasize inner spirituality and the importance of the interior life, often contrasting it with the external rituals and ceremonies of the Church.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Thomas a Kempis

1. “If you wish to learn and appreciate something worthwhile, then love to be unknown and considered as nothing.”

2. “At the Day of Judgment, we shall not be asked what we have read, but what we have done, not how well we have spoken, but how well we have lived.”

3. “The more you know and the better you understand, the more severely will you be judged unless your life is also the more holy.”

4. “He who loves with purity considers not the gift of the lover, but the love of the giver.”

5. “Who has a harder fight than he who is striving to overcome himself?”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As a clergyman dedicated to a life of piety and simplicity, Thomas à Kempis did not accumulate personal wealth. His highest “net worth” would therefore be understood in terms of his spiritual contributions and literary legacy rather than monetary value.