Skip to content

Contradictions have always existed in the soul of…

“Contradictions have always existed in the soul of [individuals]. But it is only when we prefer analysis to silence that they become a constant and insoluble problem. We are not meant to resolve all contradictions but to live with them and rise above them and see them in the light of exterior and…” quote by Thomas Merton
Download Open image
“Contradictions have always existed in the soul of [individuals]. But it is only when we prefer analysis to silence that they become a constant and insoluble problem. We are not meant to resolve all contradictions but to live with them and rise above them and see them in the light of exterior and objective values which make them trivial by comparison.”

Thomas Merton

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Contradictions are inherent; embracing analysis over silence makes them persistent, yet they can be transcended by higher values.

In simple terms: Contradictions persist.

Key Takeaway

Live with and rise above them.

Themes

philosophy psychology spirituality conflict growth

Mood

contemplative serene

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal reflection
  • conflict resolution
  • ethical decision making
  • creative problem solving

Key Concepts

dialectical tension subjectivity objective values

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance analysis with acceptance?
  • What higher values help trivialize contradictions?
A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on analysis can stall action.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Thomas Merton

Explore all 851 Thomas Merton quotes

More Analysis quotes

Browse all 1,547 Analysis quotes