Finally I am coming to the conclusion that my highest ambition is to be what I already I am.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes self-acceptance and authenticity as the highest goals in life.
Thomas Merton reflects on the idea that true fulfillment comes from embracing one's true self rather than pursuing external aspirations or ideals. It suggests that the journey of self-discovery and acceptance can lead to a more profound sense of purpose than the conventional pursuit of ambition.
In practice
During a workshop on personal growth, this quote could inspire participants to embrace their true selves.
The devil is no fool. He can get people feeling about heaven the way they ought to feel about hell. He can make them fear the means of grace the way they do not fear sin. And he does so, not by light but by obscurity, not by realities but by shadows; not by clarity and substance, but by dreams and the creatures of psychosis. And men are so poor in intellect that a few cold chills down their spine will be enough to keep them from ever finding out the truth about anything.
Our vocation is not simply to be, but to work together with God in the creation of our own life, our own identity, our own destiny....To work out our identity in God.
Conscience is the light by which we interpret the will of God in our own lives.
You are made in the image of what you desire.
But if you want to identify me, ask me not where I live, or what I like to eat, or how I comb my hair, but ask me what I think I am living for.
I have the immense joy of being man, a member of a race in which God Himself became incarnate. As if the sorrows and stupidities of the human condition could overwhelm me, now that I realize what we all are. And if only everybody could realize this! But it cannot be explained. There is no way of telling people that they are all walking around shining like the sun.
The freedom of affluence opposes and contradicts the freedom of community life.
No lusting after your neighbor's house - or wife or servant or maid or ox or donkey. Don't set your heart on anything that is your neighbor's.
My religion is based on truth and non-violence. Truth is my God. Non-violence is the means of realising Him.
The only difference between me and a madman is that I'm not mad.
Liberty is always freedom from the government.
What I wonder most about the Anthropocene is not when did it start - but when, and how, will it end? Will it end? Or is it possible that our own growing awareness of our role on Earth can itself play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome toward one that we would desire?
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