Doing things Quote by Thomas Merton
“Why do we have to spend our lives striving to be something that we would never want to be, if we only knew what we wanted? Why do we waste our time doing things which... are just the opposite of what we were made for?”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Seven Storey Mountain by Thomas Merton, 1948
We chase identities imposed by society, missing our true desires, leading to wasted effort.
In simple terms: We pursue false goals instead of our real wishes.
Key Takeaway
Discover and follow your authentic purpose.
Themes
identity
purpose
authenticity
Mood
reflective
melancholic
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- career choices
- relationships
- creative projects
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
existentialism
self‑realization
Questions to Reflect On
- What would you pursue if you knew your true desire?
- How does societal expectation shape your goals?
A Different Perspective
If we truly knew our desires, societal pressure might still distort them.
