Here, in one of his most popular of his more than thirty books, Thomas Merton provides further meditations on the spiritual life in sixteen thought...
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Dec 06, 2011
Lana
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Great spiritual/Christian book! It is quite deep but very enjoyable and comforting. It makes me think in new ways and I can easily see this book having a lasting impact on my life. The two most profound things for me in the book are the idea that you're living not just for yourself or for God but for other people also (like the title implies) as well as the whole section on truth/sincerity and being true to yourself.
"If we really know ourselves we quietly take our proper place i More...
"If we really know ourselves we quietly take our proper place i More...
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Feb 11, 2012
Adam
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A good read, but might be more frustrating than enlightening depending on where you're coming from. Merton does a great job of describing the spiritual plight of humanity (particularly the plight of humans who cultivate no sense of the spirit), but his prescriptive assertions are too narrow to be of much use to anyone who isn't already a devout Christian. As a quasi-skeptic (and seeker of truth) with a history with religion, I found plenty to think about and relate to here, but also plenty to qu
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Apr 17, 2009
Reed
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Having just finished No Man Is an Island, I can honestly say that it is one of the best spiritual books I've read. This is the second of Merton's that I've read. I took awhile to read it only because I was only reading one small part at a time. But lately, I've devoured it. He speaks to the depths of the spiritual life with compassion, honesty, and simplicity. Merton seems to strike the proper balance between mysticism and practical living, or rather mysticism in practical living.
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Jan 22, 2012
Adam
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A good read, but might be more frustrating than enlightening depending on where you're coming from. Merton does a great job of describing the spiritual plight of humanity (particularly the plight of humans who cultivate no sense of the spirit), but his prescriptive assertions are too narrow to be of much use to anyone who isn't already a devout Christian. As a quasi-skeptic (and seeker of truth) with a history with religion, I found plenty to think about and relate to here, but also plenty to qu
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Dec 04, 2011
Joey
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One of Merton's absolute best books! If you really want to understand why you're on this planet and how to live within it with any sense of sanity, read this book. It will put so much in perspective. I can't say enough good things about it!
Jan 29, 2009
Karin
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I have been reading this forever. At first, I couldn't get past the all male language that he uses throughout. The only feminine language used is when referencing the Church, although in both negative and positive lights, the Church, in this book, is in direct conversation with God. Of the conversation partners, God, is always male.
So after I got over that - this book is AMAZING! Theology is inspiring and clearly comes from a place of experience and practice. Merton is both a practi More...
So after I got over that - this book is AMAZING! Theology is inspiring and clearly comes from a place of experience and practice. Merton is both a practi More...
Jan 23, 2012
Jack
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I've read this book at least three times before and always get it (or any Thomas Merton book) when the business of the world becomes overwhelming (note that reading occurred around Christmas).
It's not a quick read. There is much to reflect on. I mistakenly thought that I would read it faster than a few pages a night since I had mined this material before and time had made me seemingly wiser. This proved not to be the case.
It's a spiritual book and I am far from an expert More...
It's not a quick read. There is much to reflect on. I mistakenly thought that I would read it faster than a few pages a night since I had mined this material before and time had made me seemingly wiser. This proved not to be the case.
It's a spiritual book and I am far from an expert More...
Jun 20, 2009
Nicole
rated it:
Amazing. Breathetaking. I adore this book. I have never given a book a five because there is no such thing as perfection but this book is more or less perfect it is that close. For a million hundred different reasons that is hard for me to explain. But I shall try, yes it is a religious book so it is about god or partly about god and our relationship to him but its not just about that. Its about us as humans and our flaws and our perfections, its about our connection to ourselves to others to th
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Jan 20, 2008
Amy
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As a person, I find Thomas Merton really interesting. About a year ago I read a 4-part biography about some key Catholic writers of the 20th century. Besides Merton, the biography also featured Flannery O'Connor, Dorothy Day, and Walker Percy and I found each of these individuals to be extremely interesting people, especially in their interpretation of personal faith into their writing craft and their lifestyles. After reading No Man is an Island, I have to say that I enjoy reading about Merton
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Feb 11, 2008
Phil
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This is the first book by Thomas Merton that I've read; I liked it and found it challenging. It seems like basically a series of reflections on various spiritual topics that Merton was thinking about--almost like reading someone's journal, but more structured. Its full of fantastic and sometimes unsettling insights into human beings, the inner life, sin, and the character of God. Here's a sample:
"When a man constantly looks and looks at himself in the mirror of his own acts, hi More...
"When a man constantly looks and looks at himself in the mirror of his own acts, hi More...
Mar 24, 2009
Jackson
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Merton at his best. No Man is an Island is a penetrating search into both the love of God, the love he has for humanity and the love that humanity should have for one another as it gets worked out in the sacramental structures of the people of God. Catholics will of course enjoy this more than Protestants; however, in my opinion, the sort of theology that Merton produces is sorely needed in Protestant churches, both mainline and evangelical.
Apr 09, 2011
Eric
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A most insightful and enlightening book. His reflections on the nature of love and charity are especially thought provoking and logical. Merton offers a systematic yet elegant way of looking at often undefined areas of religious and Christian life. However not being a catholic myself, I became lost in his discussions on vocation and the aspects of the book that seemed to be only relevant to those within his faith.
Aug 12, 2011
James
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In some aspects, this is a step above the typical evangelical devotional. Most of the chapters carry a great deal more depth and meaning, more insightful commentary on love, hope, self-denial, etc. However, some chapters get bogged down in weighty Christian philosophical/theological meditations, especially those chapters concerned with the monastic life. On the whole, about half of it is a fantastic read for the layman (especially the Prologue and chapters on Love, Hope, Being and Doing, and
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Jun 03, 2010
Ana
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anyone and everyone seeking spiritual reflections/insights - thomas merton ought to be on list. his writings are gorgeous and poetic, and will prove helpful for all struggling to find meaning to one's human existence, provides the richness in example, for those who seek to persue a full and noble life.
simply beautiful work and his other writings are recommended...
simply beautiful work and his other writings are recommended...
Jul 14, 2009
Shawn
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I Have been reading many spiritual books: Zen and Tibetan Buddhism and Christianity, and I must say No Man is an Island is the greatest book I have read so far. This is not one of those books one can just read and understand (even though it is written in simple English). This book should be read by all who are seeking for meanings in life and in their relationship with God.
Dec 31, 2009
Ali
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An incredibly dense set of essays that need to be taken slowly, else you risk missing the full impact of Merton's wisdom. His words build, circle back, progress, and then hit a point of paradox that feels so true-to-life I sat there and reveled in the fact that someone had managed to express it with mere language. My favorite chapters were Silence, Being and Doing, and The Inward Solitude. I kept forgetting that I was borrowing a friend's copy of the book, so I would fumble for a pen to notate a
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Jul 20, 2009
Sam
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NMIAI gets my highest recommendation. Merton was a true Christian, a true genius. He had his thumb on the pulse of humanity, its many cultures and ways of thinking. Oftentimes in this book I felt as though he was addressing me personally- he is that good at diagnosing the human condition. Get it, read it.
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Jul 26, 2011
Al
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"If you are a reflective thinker that does not mind being challenged to confront the reality of Christ in your inward transformation this is a must read. This is not the kind of book that one can read quickly but in fact it will give you a greater appreciation of what it means to be fully alive in Christ!"
Jan 26, 2009
Satia
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I've tried to read this book several times and while I appreciate the tone and quality of the writing, I simply give up on ever finding this book engaging. I may try to read something else written by Merton someday but after at least three attempts to read and enjoy this book, I give up.
Feb 17, 2010
Olivia
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This book had been on my to-read list for almost 8 years! It was given to me by a close friend in high school.
Merton's reflections on how to incorporate a spiritual life into our everyday lives were refreshing. Merton had a deep understanding of what makes us human, and how we can re-orient our lives to find fulfillment.
Merton's reflections on how to incorporate a spiritual life into our everyday lives were refreshing. Merton had a deep understanding of what makes us human, and how we can re-orient our lives to find fulfillment.
Dec 05, 2011
Nancy
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A collection of essays focused on the life and importance of our spirit.
This book was introduced to me by my mother and I carried it with me in my travels to work in other parts of the world.
It is powerful stuff.
This book was introduced to me by my mother and I carried it with me in my travels to work in other parts of the world.
It is powerful stuff.
Aug 24, 2009
Tracy
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A book for deep theological contemplation. This man is brilliant. I could read one page and meditate on it for the whole day. A great tool for development of our relationship with God.
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Feb 23, 2009
Jodi
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Merton is able to express the essence of solitude and silence in relation to so many of the basics of life and this book is a masterpiece. I go back to his essays over and over.
Jul 06, 2009
Mike
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An excellent introduction to Thomas Merton. Short chapters on a variety of topics make it an easy read. This book was a huge inspiration during my formation to the diaconate.
Feb 15, 2009
Wendy
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The content of this book is THICK! You can chew on one paragraph for about a week! I didn't finish this, but gained a lot by the 30 or so pages that I read.
Jan 01, 2009
Robin
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I started reading this during our trip to Orland with the kids. Very inspirational and a reminder that we are not alone in God. Must read again!
Dec 17, 2008
Mfalco65
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Thomas Merton was remarkable. His advocacy for nonviolence, even as he was sequestered away from human interaction, is so empowering.
May 30, 2011
Jared
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This was an excellent book. So many quotes. The chapter on vocation was particularly helpful, as I read this when I was in grad school.
Dec 07, 2009
Recommended by James Schall in Another Sort of Learning, Chapter 16, as one of Eleven Books on Prayer, Belief, and Reflection.
