Skip to content

Suppose that my "poverty" be a secret hunger for spiritual…

“Suppose that my "poverty" be a secret hunger for spiritual riches: suppose that by pretending to empty myself, pretending to be silent, I am really trying to cajole God into enriching me with some experience--what then? Then everything becomes a distraction.” quote by Thomas Merton
Download Open image
““Suppose that my "poverty" be a secret hunger for spiritual riches: suppose that by pretending to empty myself, pretending to be silent, I am really trying to cajole God into enriching me with some experience--what then? Then everything becomes a distraction.””

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.

He suggests that feigning emptiness to seek spiritual wealth is a distraction from true experience.

In simple terms: Pretending to be empty to gain spiritual riches distracts from real growth.

Key Takeaway

Seek authentic spiritual practice, not false emptiness.

Themes

spirituality self-deception growth

Mood

contemplative serene

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal meditation
  • religious retreats
  • journaling
  • mindful prayer

Key Concepts

emptiness spiritual hunger authenticity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does pretending to be empty affect your spiritual path?
  • What authentic practices bring true richness?
A Different Perspective

False emptiness can become a habit that blocks genuine insight.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Thomas Merton

Explore all 851 Thomas Merton quotes

More Money quotes

Browse all 45,172 Money quotes