Adore Quote by Thomas Merton
“Every man becomes the image of the God he adores. He whose worship is directed to a dead thing becomes dead. He who loves corruption rots. He who loves a shadow becomes, himself, a shadow. He who loves things that must perish lives in dread of their perishing.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Seven Storey Mountain by Thomas Merton, 1948
Our inner life mirrors the objects of our devotion; worshipping false or corrupt things leads to spiritual decay and fear.
In simple terms: Worship shapes who we become; bad idols corrupt us.
Key Takeaway
Choose wholesome ideals to nurture a healthy soul.
Themes
spirituality
devotion
identity
corruption
impermanence
Mood
contemplative
serious
inspirational
Type
aphilosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- religious practice
- ethical decision making
- creative work
- leadership
Key Concepts
theology
psychology
symbolism
Questions to Reflect On
- What do you truly revere?
- How does your devotion affect your character?
A Different Perspective
If one’s object of worship is flawed, the person may rationalize harmful behavior.
