All men who live only according to their five senses, and seek nothing beyond the gratification of their natural appetites for pleasure and reputation and power, cut themselves off from that charity which is the principle of all spiritual vitality and happiness because it alone saves us from the barren wilderness of our own abominable selfishness. β¨ Thomas Merton (1998). The Seven Storey Mountain, p.172, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
More Author Quotes
- Christ is born to us today, in order that he may appear to the whole world through us. β¨ Thomas Merton (2010). Seasons of Celebration, p.98, Macmillan
- We thank Him less by words than by the serene happiness of silent acceptance. It is our emptiness in the presence of His reality, our silence in the presence of His infinitely rich silence, our joy i β¦ βΆ
- I just remember their kindness and goodness to me, and their peacefulness and their utter simplicity. They inspired real reverence, and I think, in a way, they were certainly saints. And they were sa β¦ βΆ
- Souls are like athletes, that need opponents worthy of them, if they are to be tried and extended and pushed to the full use of their powers, and rewarded according to their capacity. β¨ Thomas Merton β¦ βΆ
- In general, it can be said that no contemplative life is possible without ascetic self-discipline. One must learn to survive without the habit-forming luxuries which get such a hold on men today. I d β¦ βΆ
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