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Inner Quote by Thomas Merton

“The Inner Law He whose law is within himself Walks in hiddenness. His acts are not influenced By approval or disapproval. He whose law is outside himself Directs his will to what is Beyond his control And seeks To extend his power Over objects. He who walks in hiddenness Has light to guide him In…” quote by Thomas Merton
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““The Inner Law He whose law is within himself Walks in hiddenness. His acts are not influenced By approval or disapproval. He whose law is outside himself Directs his will to what is Beyond his control And seeks To extend his power Over objects. He who walks in hiddenness Has light to guide him In all his acts. He who seeks to extend his control Is nothing but an operator. While he thinks he is Surpassing others, Others see him merely Straining, stretching, To stand on tiptoe. When he tries to extend his power Over objects, Those objects gain control Of him. He who is controlled by objects Loses possession of his inner self: If he no longer values himself, How can he value others? If he no longer values others, He is abandoned. He has nothing left! There is no deadlier weapon than the will! The sharpest sword Is not equal to it! There is no robber so dangerous As Nature (Yang and Yin). Yet it is not nature That does the damage: It is man’s own will!””

Thomas Merton

About This Quote

Source Poem: The Inner Law, author Thomas Merton, 1970s

Living according to inner principles yields true guidance, while seeking external control leads to loss of self and power over others

In simple terms: Follow inner law, avoid external control

Key Takeaway

Prioritize inner integrity over external domination

Themes

self‑discipline inner guidance humility

Mood

reflective serious

Type

philosophical spiritual

When to use this quote

  • personal development
  • leadership
  • spiritual practice
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

willpower self‑control ego balance

Questions to Reflect On

  • What inner principles guide you?
  • How does seeking control affect your relationships?
A Different Perspective

External ambition can blind self‑awareness and cause self‑enslavement

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