Desire Quote by Thomas Merton
“We live in a society whose whole policy is to excite every nerve in the human body and keep it at the highest pitch of artificial tension, to strain every human desire to the limit and create as many new desires and synthetic passions as possible, in”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Seven Storey Mountain, 1948
Modern culture constantly stimulates us, creating endless artificial desires and pressures.
In simple terms: Society fuels constant artificial desire.
Key Takeaway
Beware of manufactured cravings.
Themes
consumerism
stress
artificial desire
modernity
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
observational
When to use this quote
- marketing
- social media
- advertising
- personal well‑being
Key Concepts
psychology
media influence
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you recognize synthetic vs. authentic needs?
- How can you reduce unnecessary tension?
A Different Perspective
Not all stimulation is harmful; some can inspire growth.
![“Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit. My three [great teachers] did not tell - they catalyzed a burning desire to know. Under their influence, the horizons sprung wide and fear went away and the unknown became knowable. But most important of…” quote by John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/84c/john-steinbeck-71_art_teaching-might-even-be-the-greatest-of-t_1738.jpg)
