Thoughts in Solitude

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.

As a fan of writers such a Augustine, Aquinas, and Thomas a Kempis, I'm very familiar with the writings of monks. I've benefited from the timeless wisdom and though provoking writings of all these authors. However, this was the first book I've read by Merton.

I really enjoyed this short book. Merton

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writes beautifully and from a philosophical as well as practical perspective. He defines solitude (which can be found either amid groups of people or when we're alone), the benefits of it, and explains how to seek it. As a natural introvert, reading this book was a little like preaching to the choir, which may be why I didn't rate it higher. It impressed me enough that I will be reading more of Merton's work on other subjects within the next year.

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Thomas Merton (1915-1968)....influential spiritual thinker of the 20th century...Trappist monk.

Thoughts In Solitude is written from a monastic perspective, sharing the joys and insights of a solitary life.... but, it offers considerations to all who value quiet reflection.

The following are a few

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such thoughts:

"Without courage we can never attain to true simplicity"

"A life is either all spiritual or not spiritual at all.
No man can serve to masters.
Your life is shaped by the end you live for."

"Before we surrender ourselves, we must become ourselves
For no one can give up what he does not possess."

"Humility is a virtue, not a neurosis"
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There is much to learn from in this short book and I know I've only scratched the surface. In a world of smartphones, Netflix, social media and everything else, I'm grateful for any clear headed thoughts that point me towards silence and contentment, rather than endless cycle of consuming.

I've read this short book countless times and find great comfort in it. I believe solitude is a need all humans have, to varying degrees, and yet most of us don't take or make time for quiet contemplation.

A second read of one of TM's later books. Also a read after reading more Jesuits philosophy. Became infatuated with TM 35 years ago. His mental and spiritual wanderings are internal and on this re-read sounded like spiritual naval gazing with the Catholic verbial trimmings (a lot of capital

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letters). But when one sits and prays and thinks without reflecting on actions never taken that is where a well meaning literary monk would end up,
But Catholicism is a large tent. Both TMs and Father James Martin's "God is where You Are" and the Jesuits "God in All things" can abide.

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