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Summary:
The renowned Trappist monk Thomas Merton wrote Thoughts in Solitude in 1953 and 1954, when his superiors allowed him extended periods of seclusion and meditation. This elegant gift book, with clean, spare type and graphics, does justice to a 20th-classic (this is its 25th printing). What has made this book such an enduring and popular work is that it recognizes how important solitude is to our morality, integrity, and ability to love. One does not have to be a monk to find solitude, notes Merton; solitude can be found in the act of contemplation and silent reflection in everyday life. Also, this is not a pious book that assumes that a relationship with the divine can be obtained only by denying our humanity and striving for saintliness. Instead, Merton asserts that connection with God can most easily be made through "respect for temperament, character, and emotion and for everything that makes us human." --Gail Hudson
Customer Reviews:
Average Customer Rating:
People suck! Just kidding. Sort of...
Customer Rating:
4.5 stars
Merton's 1950s musings on the need for solitude and contemplation ring truer than ever on our dangerously (fatally?) overpopulated planet. His writing and thinking are clear and concise, and he doesn't let his religion get in the way of his spirituality. Whatever your concept of the Great Spirit, God, etc, it's easy to find wisdom here. A gentle, truly humble soul, Merton is his own best testimony to the benefits of shutting out the world and letting your inner voice have its say. This is maybe the most accessible of Merton's writings, and if the far-right wackos who currently control America would open their minds to these concepts, we'd all be living in a much more peaceful and loving world. Killing people to pave the way for God's love; it's an old concept but it's still going strong. Truly religious men like Merton make clear what true Christianity is: loving ALL thy neighbours.
Like an old friend.
Customer Rating:
I happened across this book many years ago, long before I even had any inclinations towards becoming Catholic. Since that time, the writings of Thomas Merton, and this book in particular have become like old friends. Thoughts in Solitude, especially, is one that I find myself visiting with time and time again. Like an old friend, the stories, wisdom, and even the doubts that Merton writes of have become familiar to the point of being ingrained in my very being. Far from making any re-reading of the text "boring" now, instead they have become like the well worn tales that one hears from family members through out your life. The familiarity only serves to make them sweeter with each telling. If this is your first journey into this slim volume, you are in for a treat. I think that you will find much here to cherish and that will accompany you along as you walk the path of your life. If you are revisiting the work after a bit of an absence, get ready to enjoy the reunion!
Reflections in a Life of Solitude
Customer Rating:
Perhaps meant more as his inner reminders of purpose than for the general public, Merton's "Thoughts in Solitude" show him to be reminding himself of his mission. As is implied in the title, this book discusses Merton's thoughts about the solitary life as he journeys though that life. Told in chapters that average 2-3 pages long, these passages are easy to digest for the average reader.
While no particular passage stands out among the others, Merton speaks with clarity about his thoughts in Christianity. Perhaps better than any other modern Christian writer, Merton is able to communicate a message to a contemporary audience. He understands the focus of a Christian life. One need not be contemplating a life of solitude to appreciate this book.
Great Read
Customer Rating:
I really enjoyed this book. It is a fairly simple (quick) book to read, but every line on every page is packed and waiting to be unraveled and pondered. It's a must read!
Help in Solitude
Customer Rating:
As someone who is beginning a life dedicated to solitude and silence, reading this book was like having Thomas Merton beside me as a wise friend, guide and mentor, showing the way. It is not a how-to book, but a collection of exquisite short reflections, revealing the inner struggles and deep joy of one who has walked this path, and knows where the rocks are, as well as the hidden springs. "The Christian solitary does not seek solitude merely as an atmosphere, or as a setting for a special and exalted spirituality," writes Merton. "He seeks solitude as an expression of his total gift of himself to God. His solitude is not a means of getting something, but a gift of himself." This book is Merton's humble gift of himself to all of us who seek the Holy One.
As an example, this book is the source of Merton's famous prayer: "O God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will always lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore, I will trust you always, though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone."
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