Thomas à Kempis is not urging us to “love to be unknown” in the absolute sense. And yet the words “crave obscurity” haunt me because of the falsehood they expose and truth to which they bear witness. Living in obscurity seems like not existing at all, and dying unknown and unremembered seems like being erased from existence or worse, never having existed. I don’t “crave obscurity,” and I don’t “love to be unknown.” I fear it. In another translation the words “love to be unknown” are rendered “crave obscurity.” Those words cut me to the heart. If you wish to learn and appreciate something worthwhile, then love to be unknown and considered as nothing (1.2). Thomas à Kempis in The Imitation of Christ warns against inordinately seeking knowledge lest we look down on others for knowing less or become obsessed with seeking praise for our intellectual accomplishments. ![]() Quite the opposite, the world rarely finds truth praiseworthy, but it loves beautiful lies. However, Jesus reminds us that other people are in no position and have no authority to pronounce us worthy of praise. And it feels good because it makes me think well of myself. (Lk 6:26)īut I want to be well thought of, and I like it when everyone speaks well of me! It feels good. Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you,įor that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets. Jesus warns of the dangers of seeking applause from the public: But like all other aspects of our created nature this desire can be misdirected and abused. Clearly, desire to know and be known is part of our created nature. How else could we feel confident in our own worth and sure of our significance and place in this world? Apart from a sense of belonging we lose our love of life and energy for work. The “good morning” we receive from a passing hiker, a conversation with a good friend, or the most intimate expressions of love…we need acknowledgement, affirmation and love from others. Everyone wants to be known and loved, and no one wishes to live and die in obscurity.
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