We live on the brink of disaster because we do not know how to let life alone. We do not respect the living and fruitful contradictions and paradoxes of which true life is full.
THOMAS MERTON
THOMAS MERTON
Thomas Merton on life
Thomas Merton76 quotes“We live on the brink of disaster because we do not know how to let life alone. We do not respect the living and fruitful contradictions and paradoxes of which true life is full.”
More from Thomas Merton
Self-conquest is really self-surrender. Yet before we can surrender ourselves we must become ourselves. For no one can give up what he does not possess.
Thomas MertonThomas Merton Gratitude takes nothing for granted, is never unresponsive, is constantly awakening to new wonder.
Thomas MertonThomas Merton People may spend their whole lives climbing the ladder of success only to find, once they reach the top, that the ladder is leaning against the wrong wall.
Thomas MertonThomas Merton Our job is to love others without stopping to inquire whether or not they are worthy.
Thomas MertonThomas Merton People may spend their whole lives climbing the ladder of success only to find, once they reach the top, that the ladder is leaning against the wrong wall.
Thomas MertonThomas Merton How 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 MertonThomas Merton The man who sweats under his mask, whose role makes him itch with discomfort, who hates the division in himself, is already beginning to be free.
Thomas MertonThomas Merton Every 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 MertonThomas Merton Every breath we draw is a gift of God’s love; every moment of existence is a grace.
Thomas MertonThomas Merton In Silence God ceases to be an object and becomes an experience.
Thomas MertonThomas Merton Our real journey in life is interior; It is a matter of growth, deepening, and of an ever greater surrender to the creative action of love and grace in our hearts. Never was it more necessary to respond to that action.
Thomas MertonThomas Merton Our job is to love others without stopping to inquire whether or not they are worthy. That is not our business and, in fact, it is nobody’s business. What we are asked to do is to love, and this love itself will render both ourselves and our neighbors worthy.
Thomas MertonThomas Merton From the moment you put a piece of bread in your mouth you are part of the world. Who grew the wheat? Who made the bread? Where did it come from? You are in relationship with all who brought it to the table. We are least separate and most in common when we eat and drink.
Thomas MertonThomas Merton Do not be too quick to condemn the man who no longer believes in God: for it is perhaps your own coldness and avarice and mediocrity and materialism and selfishness that have chilled his faith.
Thomas MertonThomas Merton A happiness that is sought for ourselves alone can never be found: for a happiness that is diminished by being shared is not big enough to make us happy.
Thomas MertonThomas Merton For 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 MertonThomas Merton
Original quotes
From our community writers
And in the end when the money is gone – will you still stay it was worth it.
M.K. StandbyM.K. Standby My soul speaks a language, only you can understand.
Ginnie BaleGinnie Bale In another life, you kept your word, and forever’s still ours for the taking.
Harriet SelinaHarriet Selina Journey with struggle becomes a great tale in the future.
Carla StokesCarla Stokes I’m not asking that you take the bullet for me. I wish you’d shoot first.
Danielle MontgomeryDanielle Montgomery A rainy day is the perfect excuse to explore deeper feelings.
Emily BockEmily Bock Stop taking care of everyone else before you take care of yourself.
Claire VinsonClaire Vinson Music is a weed, we all fallen souls are high on.
Ananya BhaskarAnanya Bhaskar
Meet the writers
More on life
Dance Moms’ was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had in my life!
JoJo SiwaJoJo Siwa Life is a relationship between molecules.
Linus PaulingLinus Pauling I really have been dancing my whole life.
JoJo SiwaJoJo Siwa If penicillin can cure those that are ill, Spanish sherry can bring the dead back to life.
Alexander FlemingAlexander Fleming Mercy did not exist in the primordial life. It was misunderstood for fear, and such misunderstandings made for death.
Jack LondonJack London One thing I love about Lady Gaga is I feel like her sound is always evolving and changing with her and her phases of life.
Madison BeerMadison Beer Claiming there is no other life in the universe is like scooping up some water, looking at the cup and claiming there are no whales in the ocean.
Neil deGrasse TysonNeil deGrasse Tyson I am passionate about football. My support for Celtic FC has got me through some hard times in my life. I still play regularly, too.
Rod StewartRod Stewart