Contemplation Quote by Thomas Merton
““Everyone of us is shadowed by an illusory person: a false self..We are not very good at recognizing illusions, least of all the ones we cherish about ourselves. (34) Contemplation is not and cannot be a function of this external self. There is an irreducible opposition between the deep transcendent self that awakens only in contemplation, and the superficial, external self which we commonly identify with the first person singular.(7) Our reality, our true self, is hidden in what appears to us to be nothingness…We can rise above this unreality and recover our hidden reality…(281) God Himself begins to live in me not only as my Creator but as my other and true self. (41)””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Contemplative Life, Thomas Merton, 1964
The quote describes the conflict between our false, socially constructed identity and a deeper, transcendent self that emerges through contemplation, suggesting that true reality lies beyond the superficial self.
In simple terms: A false self hides our deeper true self, which we discover in contemplation.
Key Takeaway
Seek deeper self through contemplation.
Themes
identity
spirituality
self-awareness
Mood
reflective
introspective
Type
philosophical
spiritual
inspirational
When to use this quote
- meditation practice
- spiritual retreat
- psychotherapy
- personal growth
- creative work
Key Concepts
transcendence
illusion
inner reality
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you differentiate your false self from your true self?
- What practices help you access deeper awareness?
A Different Perspective
The deep self may be inaccessible without sustained practice or guidance.
