The Imitation of Christ · Chapter
Of the Knowledge of Truth explained
The chapter emphasizes that true knowledge comes from God alone, not from human learning or disputation.
What happens
The chapter emphasizes that true knowledge comes from God alone, not from human learning or disputation. It warns against the vanity of seeking knowledge for its own sake rather than for holiness, and extols humility, self-mastery, and a good conscience as the path to God.
Themes in this chapter
Humility and Self-Denial
The chapter teaches that a lowly knowledge of oneself is a surer way to God than deep learning, and that true greatness lies in humility.
Contempt for the World
The fleeting glory of the world is lamented, and the disciple is urged to count all earthly things as dung to win Christ.
Interior Life and Solitude
The chapter extols unity and simplicity of heart, and the need to arrange one's inner life before acting outwardly.
Characters to notice
- The Disciple
The disciple speaks of the weariness of reading and listening to many things, and desires only to hear God speak.
- God the Father
Addressed as 'O God, who art the Truth,' the disciple prays for union with God in everlasting love.
- Jesus Christ
Referenced as the one to be won above all earthly things, and as the Eternal Word who speaks to the soul.
Key passages
“Happy is the man whom Truth by itself doth teach, not by figures and transient words, but as it is in itself.”
Blessed is the person who learns directly from Truth itself, not through symbols or passing words, but in its pure essence.
Opening statement on the superiority of divine teaching over human instruction.
“What doth it profit to argue about hidden and dark things, concerning which we shall not be even reproved in the judgment, because we knew them not?”
What benefit is there in debating obscure matters that we will not be held accountable for at judgment, since we were ignorant of them?
Critique of useless intellectual disputes.
“Of a surety, at the Day of Judgment it will be demanded of us, not what we have read, but what we have done; not how well we have spoken, but how holily we have lived.”
On judgment day, we will be asked not about our reading but our actions, not about our eloquence but the holiness of our lives.
Central moral exhortation of the chapter.
“He only is truly great, who hath great charity. He is truly great who deemeth himself small, and counteth all height of honour as nothing.”
The truly great person is one with great love, who considers himself small and regards all worldly honor as worthless.
Definition of true greatness based on humility and charity.