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207th out of 1,434 books
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Thoughts in Solitude
Thoughtful and eloquent, as timely (or timeless) now as when it was originally published in 1956, Thoughts in Solitude addresses the pleasure of a solitary life, as well as the necessity for quiet reflection in an age when so little is private. Thomas Merton writes: "When society is made up of men who know no interior solitude it can no longer be held together by...more
Paperback, 144 pages
Published
November 29th 1999
by Farrar, Straus and Giroux
(first published 1956)
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Thomas Merton wrote THOUGHTS IN SOLITUDE in 1956, one of 60 books and numerous writings while living in Our Lady of Gethsemani. He was a Trappist Monk, who for 27 years lived and wrote in the Kentucky Abbey. A mostly solitary existence, Merton had an impact on world affairs including the Viet Nam War and the Civil Rights Movement.
"Contradictions have always existed in the soul of man. But it is only when we prefer analysis to silence that they become a constant and insoluble pr...more
"Contradictions have always existed in the soul of man. But it is only when we prefer analysis to silence that they become a constant and insoluble pr...more
Roger
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review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Seekers, philosophers, loners, groups.
Recommended to Roger by:
nobody
Shelves:
non-fiction
I have always wanted to read this. Now I'm running through it in bite size reading sessions, which is how a book like this should be read. I was hard pressed to find a decent copy at a reasonable price, but scored on biblio.com. Nice and pocket sized, just the way I like it.
12-28-2010-
I finally finished this.. after reading a chapter at a time and then meditating upon it. Highly recommended to anyone interested in a contemplative lifestyle. I can understand why an excellent publisher like Sh...more
12-28-2010-
I finally finished this.. after reading a chapter at a time and then meditating upon it. Highly recommended to anyone interested in a contemplative lifestyle. I can understand why an excellent publisher like Sh...more
wow. This completely exceeded my expectations. There were a few sections that I found difficult to relate to, but the vast majority of the book blew me away. I will doubtlessly be returning to Thoughts In Solitude again and again.
A word in season. I greatly look forward to checking out some of Merton's other works!
A word in season. I greatly look forward to checking out some of Merton's other works!
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My copy of this is very coffee-stained. I enjoyed Merton's thoughts on interior life and the human need for reflection. And, I found the short chapters conducive to daily reflection and prayer. But before I'd made it to the halfway point of this book, I was already alienated by Merton's male-only pronouns. I understand he was a product of his day, and I think Merton served as novice master at the monastery for a while and was accustomed to addressing young men. Nonetheless, being beaten over the...more
This is a small book and in time an easy read but there is a lot of thought in it that gets you thinking. He challenges the reader to take the time in solitude and quiet to address simple things like temperament and what it means spiritually. This is something that cannot be addressed in a busy life style. And so these notes of Merton challenge one to stop and listen to one's heart and the the Spirit; Something that few of us can hear in todays nosy world.
This guy goes up there with CS Lewis among my favorite Christian authors. He writes about contemplation and links it back to action, and back to life. And he clearly delineates between the authentic and the shallow or fake. He brings clarity to the matter of hipocrisy through simple explanation, sans condemnation and holier-than-thou language.
A great book, though a bit preachy at times. I found that even as a non-christian, I could understand most of Merton's message in the first half. The second half was a bit too preachy, though.
This is the second time I've read this book and I'm sure it's not the last. I too find it to be a "timeless" work that serves as a reminder of how important solitude can be to a person's well-being.
A meditative little book, not always theologically perfect, but worth the read, inspiring and comforting when we feel as though we are alone in this big scary world...
Picked this up at a used book sale. Inside were lots of insights on the spiritual life and man's solitude before God. I plan on rereading this book from time to time.
This is a good book for the non religious non community person. Not pious, but does make the connection between solitude and reflection and a busy daily life.
This book was outstanding. Very thought-provoking and honestly quite faith-affirming. I expect that this will be a book I read through on a regular basis.
Heard about this book while reading profile of David in the book of Psalms, Renovare Bible. David waa someone who connected with God in times of solitude.
This is the most deeply content rich book I have ever read! I will be reading it again maybe several times. I like the idea of using it as a devotional book.
I am in love with all things Merton. His writing companions me daily. His honesty overwhelms me, and I couldn't imagine a day without a bit of Merton in it.
See XVII for Merton on naming, magic, incarnation, faith, atonement, salvation, and the self. In 5 pages.
I just read this one while on retreat- loved it and I am sure I will find myself going back to it.
I love Merton. Love his philosophy. The only reason that I didn't give this a 5 star is because... well, I felt as though I was in his most private thoughts and was intruding...
i read a borrowed copy in switzerland and copied out whole passages, bought a copy in washington, and had to ask to have it shipped to me in saint petersburg because it had suddenly become so indispensibly connected to my thoughtlife.
I am a huge fan of Thomas Merton....thought provoking and brilliant. Anyone interested in spirituality and God without the demands and limitations of "organized religion" will enjoy his journals, poetry, and books.
Part One made me lose my temper a lot, which is why it took me so long to read this. Liked Part Two on Solitude. Need to keep in mind while reading this that he was writing for his fellow monastics.
I would like to read this book again, all the way through. I stopped reading it halfway because it made me feel like such a heathen. But his writing is lovely and thoughtful, lifting the soul.
My dad gave me this wonderful pocket sized edition and I carry it with me everywhere. Merton's insights propel me to a prayerful/meditative/contemplative state over and over.
Merton's personal spiritual reflections are universally applicable to any serious Christian. Its his style that charms some more than others, as it has obviously done so with me.
profound, simple, true. a must read for those seeking deeper communion with God, and for knowing oneself.
Working on this book. It is more or less a book of random thoughts. Merton is an interesting cat.
This book is one of my all time favorite prayer/reflection books by Merton. It is a gem!
Rebecca
is currently reading it
I just picked this up on my trip to Yosemite. Just read the preface and am hooked.
I read and reread and reread this one. Always revealing.
I keep this book as a devotional, I am reading through it again.
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Thomas Merton was one of the most influential Catholic authors of the 20th century. A Trappist monk of the Abbey of Our Lady of Gethsemani, in the American state of Kentucky, Merton was an acclaimed Catholic spiritual writer, poet, author and social activist. Merton wrote over 60 books, scores of essays and reviews, and is the ongoing subject of many biographies. Merton was also a proponent of int...more
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“If a man is to live, he must be all alive, body, soul, mind, heart, spirit.”
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