1636-1674, British Clergyman, Poet, Mystic
A little grit in the eye destroyeth the sight of the very heavens, and a little malice or envy a world of joys. One wry principle in the mind is of infinite consequence.
Thomas Traherne – [Perspective]
An empty book is like an infant's soul, in which anything may be written. It is capable of all things, but containeth nothing. I have a mind to fill this with profitable wonders.
Thomas Traherne – [Books and Reading]
Certainly Adam in Paradise had not more sweet and curious apprehensions of the world, than I when I was a child.
Thomas Traherne – [Innocence]
Had we not loved ourselves at all, we could never have been obliged to love anything. So that self-love is the basis of all love.
Thomas Traherne – [Conceit]
Happiness was not made to be boasted, but enjoyed. Therefore tho others count me miserable, I will not believe them if I know and feel myself to be happy; nor fear them.
Thomas Traherne – [Happiness]
I will not by the noise of bloody wars and the dethroning of kings advance you to glory: but by the gentle ways of peace and love.
Thomas Traherne – [Glory]
Is it not strange, that an infant should be heir of the whole world, and see those mysteries which the books of the learned never unfold?
Thomas Traherne – [Childhood]
It is of the nobility of man's soul that he is insatiable: for he hath a benefactor so prone to give, that he delighteth in us for asking. Do not your inclinations tell you that the WORLD is yours? Do you not covet all? Do you not long to have it; to enjoy it; to overcome it? To what end do men gather riches, but to multiply more? Do they not like Pyrrhus the King of Epire, add house to house and lands to lands, that they may get it all?
Thomas Traherne – [Greed]
Love is the true means by which the world is enjoyed: our love to others, and others love to us.
Thomas Traherne – [Gratitude]
More company increases happiness, but does not lighten or diminish misery.
Thomas Traherne – [Company]
The soul is made for action, and cannot rest till it be employed. Idleness is its rust. Unless it will up and think and taste and see, all is in vain.
Thomas Traherne – [Action]
This moment exhibits infinite space, but there is a space also wherein all moments are infinitely exhibited, and the everlasting duration of infinite space is another region and room of joys.
Thomas Traherne – [Infinity]
To love one person with a private love is poor and miserable: to love all is glorious.
Thomas Traherne – [Love]
To think the world therefore a general Bedlam, or place of madmen, and oneself a physician, is the most necessary point of present wisdom: an important imagination, and the way to happiness.
Thomas Traherne – [Madness]
You never enjoy the world aright, till the sea itself floweth in your veins, till you are clothed with the heavens and crowned with the stars.
Thomas Traherne – [Happiness]
You never know yourself till you know more than your body.
Thomas Traherne – [Self-knowledge]
Your enjoyment of the world is never right, till every morning you awake in Heaven: see yourself in your Father's palace; and look upon the skies, the earth, and the air as celestial joys: having such a reverend esteem of all, as if you were among the angels.
Thomas Traherne – [Pleasure]