Appetite Quote by Thomas Merton
“Instead of hating the people you think are war-makers, hate the appetites and disorder in your own soul, which are the causes of war. If you love peace, then hate injustice, hate tyranny, hate greed - but hate these things in yourself, not in another.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The War Within,” 1970
Peace requires confronting inner greed and injustice rather than blaming others.
In simple terms: Hate the bad inside you, not others.
Key Takeaway
Work on personal ethics.
Themes
peace
self‑reflection
justice
Mood
introspective
serious
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- meditation
- conflict resolution
- personal counseling
Key Concepts
inner conflict
moral philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- What inner appetites fuel conflict?
- How can you transform personal greed?
A Different Perspective
Self‑change is difficult and may be resisted.
