Desires Quote by Thomas Merton
““A man is a free being who is always changing into himself. This changing is never merely indifferent. We are always getting either better or worse. Our development is measured by our acts of free choice, and we make ourselves by the patterns of our desires. If our desires reach out for the things that we were created to have and to make and to become, then we will develop into what we were truly meant to be. But if our desires reach out for things that have have no meaning for the growth of our spirit, if they lose themselves in dreams or passions or illusions, we will be false to ourselves and to other men and to God. We will judge ourselves as aliens and exiles from ourselves and from God. In hell, there is no recollection. The damned are exiled not only from God and from other men, but even from themselves.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Seven Storey Mountain by Thomas Merton, 1948
Human freedom is expressed through continual self‑formation; choices shape whether we grow toward our true purpose or drift into emptiness.
In simple terms: We become what we choose, not what we avoid.
Key Takeaway
Align desires with deeper purpose.
Themes
freedom
self‑development
purpose
spirituality
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- career decisions
- spiritual practice
- relationship choices
- creative projects
Key Concepts
existentialism
moral philosophy
self‑actualization
Questions to Reflect On
- What deeper purpose guides your daily choices?
- How do you differentiate meaningful goals from fleeting passions?
A Different Perspective
Desires can be misled by societal pressure, leading to inauthentic lives.
