Thomas Merton was a writer, theologian, mystic, social activist, and scholar of comparative religion. His books, including “The Seven Storey Mountain,” have inspired thousands and continue to be read and revered to this day. Here are twenty of the most popular quotes by Thomas Merton, each offering a glimpse into his compassionate and insightful perspective on faith, life, and the human experience.
Popular Quotes by Thomas Merton
- “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.”
- “The beginning of love is to let those we love be perfectly themselves, and not to twist them to fit our own image.”
- “We are living in a world that is absolutely transparent, and God is shining through all the time.”
- “Our job is to love others without stopping to inquire whether or not they are worthy.”
- “We do not exist for ourselves alone, and it is only when we are fully convinced of this fact that we begin to love ourselves properly and thus also love others.”
- “The biggest human temptation is to settle for too little.”
- “Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance and order and rhythm and harmony.”
- “Pride makes us artificial and humility makes us real.”
- “The truth that many people never understand, until it is too late, is that the more you try to avoid suffering the more you suffer.”
- “Silence is God’s first language; everything else is a poor translation.”
- “The least of learning is done in the classrooms.”
- “A life is either all spiritual or not spiritual at all. No man can serve two masters.”
- “You do not need to know precisely what is happening, or exactly where it is all going. What you need is to recognize the possibilities and challenges offered by the present moment, and to embrace them with courage, faith and hope.”
- “We cannot be happy if we expect to live all the time at the highest peak of intensity.”
- “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.”
- “We are not at peace with others because we are not at peace with ourselves, and we are not at peace with ourselves because we are not at peace with God.”
- “To say that I am made in the image of God is to say that love is the reason for my existence, for God is love.”
- “Do not look for rest in any pleasure, because you were not created for pleasure: you were created for Joy. And if you do not know the difference between pleasure and joy you have not yet begun to live.”
- “The more you try to avoid suffering, the more you suffer.”
- “Learn to be alone. Be patient with all that is unresolved in your heart.”
These quotes by Thomas Merton encompass his understanding of human nature, faith, and spirituality. While he had deep insight into the human condition, his primary focus was always on the importance of love, understanding, and compassion. His writings continue to inspire and motivate countless individuals around the world.