Contemplation Quote by Thomas Merton
“Either you look at the universe as a very poor creation out of which no one can make anything, or you look at your own life and your own part in the universe as infinitely rich, full of inexhaustible interest, opening out into the infinite further responsibilities for study and contemplation and interest and praise. Beyond all and in all is God.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Seven Storey Mountain, 1948
The passage contrasts seeing the universe as empty versus seeing one’s life as richly connected to infinite responsibilities and divine presence.
In simple terms: Life is richly connected to the divine.
Recognize life’s infinite depth.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- meditation
- academic study
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you view your role in the universe?
- What responsibilities arise from seeing life as rich?
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