--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: As long as I continue to take myself…" description: "\"As long as I continue to take myself seriously, how can I consider myself a saint? How can I consider myself a contemplative? For the self I bother abo..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/434/thomas-merton-231_bother_as-long-as-i-continue-to-take-myself-ser_2912078.jpg" --- # As long as I continue to take myself seriously, how can I… ![“As long as I continue to take myself seriously, how can I consider myself a saint? How can I consider myself a contemplative? For the self I bother about does not really exist, never will, never did except in my own imagination.” quote by Thomas Merton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/434/thomas-merton-231_bother_as-long-as-i-continue-to-take-myself-ser_2912078.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/434/thomas-merton-231_bother_as-long-as-i-continue-to-take-myself-ser_2912078.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/434/thomas-merton-231_bother_as-long-as-i-continue-to-take-myself-ser_2912078.jpg) > “As long as I continue to take myself seriously, how can I consider myself a saint? How can I consider myself a contemplative? For the self I bother about does not really exist, never will, never did except in my own imagination.” [Thomas Merton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-merton/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Taking oneself too seriously creates a false self that hinders spiritual humility and authenticity. **In simple terms:** Being too serious blocks true humility. Key Takeaway Practice humility and humor. Themes humility spirituality self‑reflection Mood reflective serene Type philosophical spiritual When to use this quote - daily meditation - journaling - therapy - group discussion Key Concepts theology philosophy Questions to Reflect On - How can you balance seriousness with lightness? - What does humility look like in your life? 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