Cybersecurity Quote by Thomas Merton
““EVERY one of us is shadowed by an illusory person: a false self. This is the man that I want myself to be but who cannot exist, because God does not know anything about him. And to be unknown of God is altogether too much privacy.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Seven Storey Mountain by Thomas Merton, 1948
We all carry a false self that we wish to be, but it cannot exist because it is unknown to the divine, creating a profound sense of privacy and isolation.
In simple terms: We hide behind an imagined version of ourselves that God does not recognize.
Key Takeaway
Accept the unknown parts of yourself and seek authentic connection.
Themes
identity
spirituality
privacy
self‑deception
Mood
contemplative
melancholic
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- spiritual counseling
- creative writing
Key Concepts
self‑concept
theology
existentialism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does recognizing your false self change your relationships?
- What does “privacy” mean in a spiritual context?
A Different Perspective
The false self may also protect us from vulnerability, limiting growth.
