Barriers Quote by Thomas Merton
“The basic problem is not political, it is apolitical and human. One of the most important things to do is to keep cutting deliberately through political lines and barriers and emphasizing the fact that these are largely fabrications and that there is another dimension, a genuine reality, totally opposed to the fictions of politics: the human dimension which politics pretend to arrogate entirely to themselves. This is the necessary first step along the long way toward the perhaps impossible task of purifying, humanizing and somehow illuminating politics themselves.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Political Problem,” 1960s collection of writings
Politics is a constructed barrier that obscures the underlying human reality; recognizing this helps move toward a more humane political sphere.
In simple terms: Politics hides human truth; seeing beyond it reveals humanity.
Key Takeaway
Question the political narratives that mask human needs.
Themes
politics
humanity
truth
illusion
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- activism
- policy making
- community dialogue
Key Concepts
philosophy
critical theory
social ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- What assumptions underlie political divisions?
- How can we prioritize human needs over political agendas?
A Different Perspective
Political structures are entrenched; change is slow and faces resistance.
