The Imitation of Christ · Chapter
Of the neglect of every creature, that the Creator may be found explained
The chapter emphasizes the necessity of rising above all created things to unite with God, contrasting outward appearances with inward virtue, and lamenting how few truly pursue contemplation due to attachment to the world.
What happens
The chapter emphasizes the necessity of rising above all created things to unite with God, contrasting outward appearances with inward virtue, and lamenting how few truly pursue contemplation due to attachment to the world.
Themes in this chapter
Contempt for the World
The chapter urges neglect of every creature and counts all that is not God as nothing.
Interior Life and Solitude
Highlights the need for inward recollection and separation from external things to reach contemplation.
Characters to notice
- The Disciple
The speaker who earnestly seeks grace to be freed from creatures and to fly unto God.
- God the Father
The Creator who is the sole eternal good, to whom the soul must be united.
Key passages
“O Lord, I still need more grace, if I would arrive where neither man nor any other creature may hinder me.”
Lord, I require additional grace to reach a state where no person or created thing can obstruct my union with You.
Opening plea for divine assistance to transcend all creatures.
“What is more peaceful than the single eye? And what more free than he that desireth nothing upon earth?”
Nothing brings greater peace than a focused intention, and nothing grants more freedom than having no earthly desires.
Contrasts single-minded devotion with worldly attachment.
“For whatsoever is not God is nothing, and ought to be counted for nothing.”
Everything that is not God is worthless and should be regarded as such.
Radical statement of contemptus mundi.
“We ask if he be strong, rich, handsome, clever, whether he is a good writer, good singer, good workman; but how poor he may be in spirit, how patient and gentle, how devout and meditative, on these things many are silent.”
People inquire about external qualities like strength, wealth, appearance, and skills, but rarely consider inner virtues such as spiritual poverty, patience, gentleness, devotion, and meditation.
Critique of worldly values versus spiritual ones.