Thomas Merton, The Wisdom of the Quotes

A collection of quotes by Thomas Merton, The Wisdom of the.

Thomas Merton was a prominent American Trappist monk, writer, theologian, and mystic. He was born on January 31, 1915, in Prades, France, to an American father and a New Zealand mother. Merton's early life was marked by tragedy as his mother died when he was six and his father died when he was sixteen.

In 1938, after a period of searching and soul-discovery, Merton converted to Roman Catholicism and joined the Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky, where he took his vows as a Trappist monk. Throughout his life, Merton devoted himself to a contemplative lifestyle and pursued his spiritual journey alongside his academic and writing pursuits.

Merton's writings explored various themes including contemplation, social justice, pacifism, interfaith dialogue, and the intersection between Eastern and Western spiritual traditions. His best-known work, "The Seven Storey Mountain," published in 1948, chronicled his spiritual journey and became a best-seller, attracting worldwide attention.

Merton's popularity as a spiritual writer and thinker continued to grow during the 1960s, and he became an influential figure in both religious and secular circles. He actively engaged in social and political issues of his time, advocating for civil rights, peace, and nuclear disarmament.

Tragically, on December 10, 1968, at the age of 53, Merton died in an accidental electrical shock while attending a conference in Thailand. Despite his untimely death, Thomas Merton's legacy lives on through his profound writings, which continue to inspire and guide readers seeking spiritual insight and a more peaceful world.