Categories Quote by Thomas Merton
“Because You have called me here not to wear a label by which I can recognize myself and place myself in some kind of a category. You do not want me to be thinking about what I am, but about what You are. Or rather, You do not even want me to be thinking about anything much: for You would raise me above the level of thought. And if I am always trying to figure out what I am and where I am and why I am, how will that work be done?”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Seven Storey Mountain by Thomas Merton, 1948
The quote urges focusing on the divine rather than self‑definition, transcending intellectual categorization.
In simple terms: Focus on the divine, not self‑labels.
Key Takeaway
Seek God, not identity.
Themes
spirituality
self‑knowledge
transcendence
Mood
contemplative
reverent
Type
spiritual
philosophical
When to use this quote
- prayer
- meditation
- contemplative practice
- spiritual retreat
Key Concepts
theology
mysticism
identity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you shift attention from self‑analysis to divine awareness?
- What habits keep you stuck in identity thinking?
A Different Perspective
Human minds naturally seek categorization, which can distract from deeper communion.
![“I don't think in national categories. For me it [policy] is about concepts and substance.” quote by Jean-Claude Juncker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/911/jean-claude-juncker-3277_categories_i-don-t-think-in-national-categories-for_14194.jpg)
![“I read so ravenously that I would read through whole categories. I was crazy about reading biographies. [...] I think biographies are very urgent to children.” quote by Joan Didion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a53/joan-didion-497_biographies_i-read-so-ravenously-that-i-would-read-t_43631.jpg)
