Be not angry that you cannot make others as you wish them to be, since you cannot make yourself as you wish to be

Be not angry that you cannot make others as you wish them to be, since you cannot make yourself as you wish to be

Thomas à Kempis, a German-Dutch canon regular of the late medieval period, is best known for his work "The Imitation of Christ," which is considered one of the most influential Christian devotional books ever written. In this context, the quote "Be not angry that you cannot make others as you wish them to be, since you cannot make yourself as you wish to be" holds a profound message about acceptance, humility, and self-improvement.

The essence of this quote lies in the idea that we often try to control and change others to fit our own expectations and desires. However, this is a futile endeavor because each individual is unique and has their own path to follow. Just as we cannot force others to change, we also cannot completely control or change ourselves to fit a perfect ideal. We are all flawed and imperfect beings, and it is through acceptance and self-awareness that we can truly grow and improve.

Thomas à Kempis emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and self-improvement in order to become the best version of ourselves. Instead of focusing on changing others, we should focus on changing ourselves and striving to be better each day. By acknowledging our own shortcomings and working on them, we can lead by example and inspire others to do the same.

Furthermore, the quote also speaks to the futility of anger and frustration when things do not go as planned. It is a reminder that we cannot control everything and everyone around us, and that it is important to let go of our expectations and accept things as they are. By practicing patience, understanding, and forgiveness, we can cultivate a sense of peace and harmony within ourselves and in our relationships with others.