Destiny Quote by Thomas Merton
““Like the prophet Jonas, whom God ordered to go to Nineveh, I found myself with an almost uncontrollable desire to go in the opposite direction. God pointed one way and all my "ideals" pointed in the other. It was when Jonas was traveling as fast as he could away from Nineveh, toward Tharsis, that he was thrown overboard, and swallowed by a whale who took him where God wanted him to go...But I feel that my own life is especially sealed with this great sign, which baptism and monastic profession and priestly ordination have burned into the roots of my being, because like Jonas himself I find myself traveling toward my destiny in the belly of a paradox.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Seven Storey Mountain, 1948
A spiritual journey can feel like a paradox, where divine direction conflicts with personal aspirations, yet the struggle leads to deeper purpose.
In simple terms: Divine call vs. personal desire creates tension.
Key Takeaway
Embrace paradox to discover true vocation.
Themes
spirituality
conflict
purpose
Mood
contemplative
hopeful
Type
theological
inspirational
When to use this quote
- religious life
- career decisions
- inner conflict
Key Concepts
paradox
divine guidance
personal vocation
Questions to Reflect On
- What inner paradox guides your path?
- How can you align personal goals with perceived divine purpose?
A Different Perspective
Resolution may require surrendering personal ambitions.
![“Man blindly works the will of fate. [Ger., Blindlings that er blos den Willen des Geschickes.]” quote by Christoph Martin Wieland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/661/christoph-martin-wieland-35565_blindly_man-blindly-works-the-will-of-fate-ger-b_3452.jpg)
