# Of the Imitation of Christ, and of Contempt of the World and All Its Vanities explained — The Imitation of Christ

> Chapter companion for The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis.

## What happens

This chapter opens with Christ's call to follow Him for true illumination. It contrasts worldly vanity—pursuit of riches, honors, fleshly desires, and a long life—with the highest wisdom of loving and serving God alone. The disciple is urged to turn from visible things to the invisible, and to conform his life to the mind of Christ rather than rely on deep knowledge or scripture without humility and grace.

## Themes in this chapter

### Imitation of Christ

The central theme: following Christ's life and character to gain true illumination and avoid blindness of heart.

### Contempt for the World

Strongly present in the denunciation of worldly vanities—riches, honors, fleshly desires—as fleeting and destructive.

### Humility and Self-Denial

Emphasized through the contrast between deep theological discussion and the need for humility to please the Trinity.

## Character check-ins

### Jesus Christ

Quoted as saying 'He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness'; His life and teaching are the model for imitation.

### The Disciple

The voice exhorting the reader to study Christ's life, feel contrition, and turn from worldly vanities.

### God the Father

Implied as the object of love and service; the Trinity is mentioned in the context of humility.

## Key lines

> He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, saith the Lord.

Christ promises that those who follow Him will be guided into light and truth.

_Opening verse establishing the call to discipleship._

> What doth it profit thee to enter into deep discussion concerning the Holy Trinity, if thou lack humility, and be thus displeasing to the Trinity?

Theological knowledge is worthless without humility, which alone pleases God.

_Critique of intellectual pride in religious study._

> Vanity of vanities, all is vanity, save to love God, and Him only to serve.

Everything is meaningless except loving and serving God alone.

_Central declaration of the chapter's theme of contempt for the world._

## Links

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