Home / Quotes / Quote by Thomas Merton

Quote by Thomas Merton

“If you want to study the social and political history of modern nations, study hell.”

Quote by Thomas Merton

Author

Thomas Merton (January 31, 1915 - December 10, 1968) was an American writer, poet, social critic, and mystic. His works covered a wide range of topics including philosophy, religion, and social justice, and were highly appreciated by readers. more

You May Also Like

“Be good, keep your feet dry, your eyes open, your heart at peace and your soul in the joy of Christ.”

Heart Soul Eye Joy Christ Feet Disappointment Be Good Your Soul Dry Open Your Heart

Book:The School of Charity: The Letters Of Thomas Merton On Religious Renewal & Spiritual Direction

Source: The School of Charity: The Letters Of Thomas Merton On Religious Renewal & Spiritual Direction

“Our flag honors those who have fought to protect it, and is a reminder of the sacrifice of our nation's founders and heroes. As the ultimate icon of America's storied history, the Stars and Stripes represents the very best of this nation.”

America Nations Stars Sacrifice Hero Honor Protect Ultimate Flags Founders Reminders Icons Stripes Patriot Day Flag Day

Author:Joe Barton

“What can we gain by sailing to the moon if we are not able to cross the abyss that separates us from ourselves? This is the most important of all voyages of discovery, and without it, all the rest are not only useless, but disastrous.”

Ifs Important Able Inspiring Journey Moon Discovery Gains Crosses Useless Life Changing Sailing Abyss Voyages Full Moon Voyages Of Discovery

Book:The Wisdom of the Desert: Sayings from the Desert Fathers of the Fourth Century

Source: The Wisdom of the Desert: Sayings from the Desert Fathers of the Fourth Century

“To consider persons and events and situations only in the light of their effect upon myself is to live on the doorstep of hell.”

Persons Light Situation Hell Effects Events Doorstep

Book:No Man Is an Island

Source: No Man Is an Island

“We must make the choices that enable us to fulfill the deepest capacities of our real selves.”

Real Self Choices Decision Capacity Decision Making Our Choices Making Decisions Real Self Making Choices Decisions Made Decisions You Make Decisions We Make Choices And Decisions Life And Choices Wise Choices

Book:No Man Is an Island

Source: No Man Is an Island

“When ambition ends, happiness begins.”

Ends Ambition Ambitious My Ambition Loose Ends

Author:Thomas Merton

“I cannot make the universe obey me. I cannot make other people conform to my own whims and fancies. I cannot make even my own body obey me.”

People Body Universe My Own Fancy Conformity Conform Whim

Book:No Man Is an Island

Source: No Man Is an Island

“Just remaining quietly in the presence of God, listening to Him, being attentive to Him, requires a lot of courage and know-how.”

Knows Courage Know How Listening Quiet Presence Of God

Book:Contemplation in a World of Action: Second Edition, Restored and Corrected

Source: Contemplation in a World of Action: Second Edition, Restored and Corrected

“The very contradictions in my life are in some ways signs of God's mercy to me.”

Way Mercy Contradiction

Book:Choosing to Love the World: On Contemplation

Source: Choosing to Love the World: On Contemplation

“The whole idea of compassion is based on a keen awareness of the interdependence of all these living beings, which are all part of one another, and all involved in one another.”

Source: Choosing to Love the World: On Contemplation