Quote by Thomas Merton
We are so obsessed with doing that we have no time and no imagination left for being. As a result, men are valued not for what they are but for what they do or what they have - for their usefulness.
Summary
This quote highlights how society places a higher emphasis on productivity and achievement rather than on individual identity and self-expression. It suggests that the relentless obsession with constantly doing and accomplishing tasks leaves little room for introspection, creativity, and simply existing in the present moment. Consequently, people are often judged and valued based on their accomplishments or possessions, emphasizing their utility or usefulness to others. This quote serves as a critique of the modern culture that prioritizes doing over being and urges a shift towards recognizing and appreciating individuals for their intrinsic worth.