Thomas à Kempis (15th century)

One of the most popular guides ever for Christian contemplative life, divided into four books of detailed spiritual instruction.

Rest from inordinate desire of knowledge, for therein is found much distraction and deceit. Those who have knowledge desire to appear learned and to be called wise. Many things there are, to know which profiteth little or nothing to the soul. And foolish out of measure is he who attendeth upon other things rather than those which serve to his soul’s health.

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Click here to view the entire book.

and click here to access the Latin original text, Imitatio Christi, at The Latin Library.

An excellent audio recording of the English translation is available from LibriVox.