Pride makes us artificial and humility makes us real.
THOMAS MERTONPride makes us artificial and humility makes us real.
THOMAS MERTONEvery one of us is shadowed by an illusory person: a false Self. We are not very good at recognizing illusions, least of all the ones we cherish about ourselves.
THOMAS MERTONThe beginning of love is the will to let those we love be perfectly themselves.
THOMAS MERTONIn a world of noise, confusion and conflict it is necessary that there be places of silence, inner discipline and peace. In such places love can blossom.
THOMAS MERTONFor each one of us, there is only one thing necessary: to fulfill our own destiny, according to God’s will, to be what God wants us to be.
THOMAS MERTONFinally I am coming to the conclusion that my highest ambition is to be what I already I am.
THOMAS MERTONThe more you try to avoid suffering, the more you suffer, because smaller and more insignificant things begin to torture you, in proportion to your fear of being hurt. The one who does most to avoid suffering is, in the end, the one who suffers most.
THOMAS MERTONWhen you see God in everyone, then they see God in you.
THOMAS MERTONWhat do I mean by loving ourselves properly? I mean first of all, desiring to live, accepting life as a very great gift and a great good, not because of what it gives us, but because of what it enables us to give to others.
THOMAS MERTONWe cannot achieve greatness unless we lose all interest in being great.
THOMAS MERTONA man who fails well is greater than one who succeeds badly.
THOMAS MERTONFor perfect hope is achieved on the brink of despair, when instead of falling over the edge, we find ourselves walking on air.
THOMAS MERTONLet us come alive to the splendor that is all around us and see the beauty in ordinary things.
THOMAS MERTONOur real journey in life is interior.
THOMAS MERTONHow can I be sincere if I am constantly changing my mind to conform with the shadow of what I think others expect of me?
THOMAS MERTONBut if you want to identify me, ask me not where I live, or what I like to eat, or how I comb my hair, but ask me what I think I am living for.
THOMAS MERTON