--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: One of the most important-and most…" description: "\"One of the most important-and most neglected-elements in the beginning of the interior life is the ability to respond to reality, to see the value and ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/28a/thomas-merton-231_ability_one-of-the-most-important-and-most-negle_1244920.jpg" --- # One of the most important-and most neglected-elements in… ![“One of the most important-and most neglected-elements in the beginning of the interior life is the ability to respond to reality, to see the value and the beauty in ordinary things, to come alive to the splendour that is all around us.” quote by Thomas Merton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/28a/thomas-merton-231_ability_one-of-the-most-important-and-most-negle_1244920.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/28a/thomas-merton-231_ability_one-of-the-most-important-and-most-negle_1244920.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/28a/thomas-merton-231_ability_one-of-the-most-important-and-most-negle_1244920.jpg) > “One of the most important-and most neglected-elements in the beginning of the interior life is the ability to respond to reality, to see the value and the beauty in ordinary things, to come alive to the splendour that is all around us.” [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. It stresses that noticing ordinary beauty and responding to reality are essential for a deep inner life. **In simple terms:** Seeing ordinary beauty is key to inner growth. Key Takeaway Practice mindfulness to appreciate everyday beauty. Themes mindfulness spirituality appreciation inner growth Mood contemplative hopeful inspirational Type spiritual philosophical When to use this quote - daily meditation - nature walks - creative journaling - mindful work - family interactions Key Concepts presence beauty perception ordinary wonder Questions to Reflect On - How can you notice beauty amid hardship? - What everyday moments reveal deeper meaning? A Different Perspective Focusing on beauty may overlook systemic issues needing action. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Ability](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ability/) [Alive](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/alive/) [Beauty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/beauty/) [Elements](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/elements/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Reality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reality/) [Splendour](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/splendour/) [Values](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/values/) ## Related quotes > [The interior life is often stupid.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/annie-dillard/the-interior-life-is-often-stupid/) [Annie Dillard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/annie-dillard/) > [“Get your interior life right so your exterior life can flourish.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sravani-saha-nakhro/get-your-interior-life-right-so-your-exterior-life-can-flourish/) [Sravani Saha Nakhro](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sravani-saha-nakhro/) > [The exterior cannot do without the interior since it is from this, as from life, that it derives much of its inspiration and character.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-gardiner/the-exterior-cannot-do-without-the-interior-since-it-is-from-this-as/) [Stephen Gardiner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-gardiner/) > [“While you are not responsible for the actions of another, you are able to consciously respond to everything in your reality. Your power to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/niurka/while-you-are-not-responsible-for-the-actions-of-another-you-are-able/) [Niurka](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/niurka/) > [Our real journey in life is interior.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-merton/our-real-journey-in-life-is-interior/) [Thomas Merton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-merton/) > [If we were all the same, it would be pointless. For one to be beautiful, there must be those who make them stand out.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/if-we-were-all-the-same-it-would-be-pointless-for-one-to-be-beautiful/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“Let us hope that some natural paradises on Earth remain totally lost and not to be found till men fully grasp the endless value…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mehmet-murat-ildan/let-us-hope-that-some-natural-paradises-on-earth-remain-totally-lost/) [Mehmet Murat ildan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mehmet-murat-ildan/) > [“Rachell believed passionately in the value of beauty. If she was pressed for time she considered the filling of her bowl with flowers more…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elizabeth-goudge/rachell-believed-passionately-in-the-value-of-beauty-if-she-was/) [Elizabeth Goudge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elizabeth-goudge/) > [“In each time, in each place, in each life, there is absolute value and beauty”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gyomay-m-kubose/in-each-time-in-each-place-in-each-life-there-is-absolute-value-and/) [Gyomay M. Kubose](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gyomay-m-kubose/) > [“Is there a relative value of beauty? Is evanescence - fleetingness - a necessary element of the thing that most moves us? A shooting…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gregory-maguire/is-there-a-relative-value-of-beauty-is-evanescence-fleetingness-a/) [Gregory Maguire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gregory-maguire/) > [I will always value beauty.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bretman-rock/i-will-always-value-beauty/) [Bretman Rock](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bretman-rock/) > [Don't look at small business as a means to an end and a way to make money until the corporation hires you; look at…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-gerber/don-t-look-at-small-business-as-a-means-to-an-end-and-a-way-to-make/) [Michael Gerber](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-gerber/) > [Value the beauty of simplicity.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/senoraroy/value-the-beauty-of-simplicity/) Senoraroy > [“Finally, after weeks of daily resistance, one finds oneself somewhat composed again, even though still a bit confused, and one says to oneself: No,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rainer-maria-rilke/finally-after-weeks-of-daily-resistance-one-finds-oneself-somewhat/) [Rainer Maria Rilke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rainer-maria-rilke/) > [The value of beauty and inspiration is very much underrated, no question. But I want to be clear: I'm not trying to be anyone's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elon-musk/the-value-of-beauty-and-inspiration-is-very-much-underrated-no/) [Elon Musk](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elon-musk/) ## More by Thomas Merton > [“Let no one hope to find in contemplation an escape from conflict, from anguish or from doubt. On the contrary, the deep, inexpressible certitude…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-merton/let-no-one-hope-to-find-in-contemplation-an-escape-from-conflict-from/) [Thomas Merton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-merton/) > [If nothing that can be seen can either be God or represent Him to us as He is, then to find God we must…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-merton/if-nothing-that-can-be-seen-can-either-be-god-or-represent-him-to-us/) [Thomas Merton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-merton/) > [It is almost impossible to overestimate the value of true humility and its power in the spiritual life. For the beginning of humility is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-merton/it-is-almost-impossible-to-overestimate-the-value-of-true-humility/) [Thomas Merton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-merton/) > [We are not perfectly free until we live in pure hope. For when our hope is pure, it no longer trusts exclusively in human…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-merton/we-are-not-perfectly-free-until-we-live-in-pure-hope-for-when-our/) [Thomas Merton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-merton/) > [The desire to kill is like the desire to attack another with an ingot of red -hot iron: I have to pick up the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-merton/the-desire-to-kill-is-like-the-desire-to-attack-another-with-an-ingot/) [Thomas Merton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-merton/) > [To enter into the realm of contemplation one must in a certain sense die: but this death is in fact the entrance to a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-merton/to-enter-into-the-realm-of-contemplation-one-must-in-a-certain-sense/) [Thomas Merton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-merton/) > [The mission of Christian humility in social life is not merely to edify, but to keep minds open to many alternatives. The rigidity of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-merton/the-mission-of-christian-humility-in-social-life-is-not-merely-to/) [Thomas Merton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-merton/) > [Peace cannot be built on exclusivism, absolutism, and intolerance. But neither can it be built on vague liberal slogans and pious programs gestated in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-merton/peace-cannot-be-built-on-exclusivism-absolutism-and-intolerance-but/) [Thomas Merton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-merton/) > [Things that are good are good, and if one is responding to that goodness one is in contact with a truth from which one…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-merton/things-that-are-good-are-good-and-if-one-is-responding-to-that/) [Thomas Merton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-merton/) > [Love winter when the plant says nothing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-merton/love-winter-when-the-plant-says-nothing/) [Thomas Merton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-merton/) > [The logic of worldly success rests on a fallacy: the strange error that our perfection depends on the thoughts and opinions and applause of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-merton/the-logic-of-worldly-success-rests-on-a-fallacy-the-strange-error/) [Thomas Merton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-merton/) > [“The wisdom of the flesh is a judgement that the ordinary ends of our natural appetites are the goods to which the whole of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-merton/the-wisdom-of-the-flesh-is-a-judgement-that-the-ordinary-ends-of-our/) [Thomas Merton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-merton/) > [I will no longer wound myself with the thoughts and questions that have surrounded me like thorns: that is a penance You do not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-merton/i-will-no-longer-wound-myself-with-the-thoughts-and-questions-that/) [Thomas Merton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-merton/) > [If you write for God you will reach many men and bring them joy. If you write for men--you may make some money and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-merton/if-you-write-for-god-you-will-reach-many-men-and-bring-them-joy-if/) [Thomas Merton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-merton/) > [“Contemplation means rest, suspension of activity, withdrawal into the mysterious interior solitude in which the soul is absorbed in the immense and fruitful silence…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-merton/contemplation-means-rest-suspension-of-activity-withdrawal-into-the/) [Thomas Merton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-merton/) [Explore all 851 Thomas Merton quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-merton/) ## More Ability quotes > [I don't think there's a direct correlation between my sexuality and my skiing ability. But I think because I was so concerned about it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gus-kenworthy/i-don-t-think-there-s-a-direct-correlation-between-my-sexuality-and/) [Gus Kenworthy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gus-kenworthy/) > [“the importance of ability. The things that make a great job great, I discovered, are rare and valuable. If you want them in your…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cal-newport/the-importance-of-ability-the-things-that-make-a-great-job-great-i/) [Cal Newport](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cal-newport/) > [Ambition drives you on, ability certainly helps, but the fickle finger of fate and luck are great things.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/fergus-henderson/ambition-drives-you-on-ability-certainly-helps-but-the-fickle-finger/) [Fergus Henderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/fergus-henderson/) > [The ability of the gospel to unite us on common strengths and common truths is one of the great miracles . . . of the gospel.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jeffrey-r-holland/the-ability-of-the-gospel-to-unite-us-on-common-strengths-and-common/) [Jeffrey R. Holland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jeffrey-r-holland/) > [Maybe law enforcement would like the ability to turn on the camera on your Mac.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tim-cook/maybe-law-enforcement-would-like-the-ability-to-turn-on-the-camera-on/) [Tim Cook](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tim-cook/) > [I've seen guys come along with more ability - they've been faster or bigger or stronger - but they never worked hard to develop…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-largent/i-ve-seen-guys-come-along-with-more-ability-they-ve-been-faster-or/) [Steve Largent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-largent/) > [The youth of India has the strength to move the entire World with a click of a mouse, we have generated that ability!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/narendra-modi/the-youth-of-india-has-the-strength-to-move-the-entire-world-with-a/) [Narendra Modi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/narendra-modi/) > [Time hath not yet so dried this blood of mine, Nor age so eat up my invention, Nor fortune made such havoc of my…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-shakespeare/time-hath-not-yet-so-dried-this-blood-of-mine-nor-age-so-eat-up-my/) [William Shakespeare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-shakespeare/) > [An absolutely necessary part of a writer's equipment, almost as necessary as talent, is the ability to stand up under punishment, both the punishment…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/irwin-shaw/an-absolutely-necessary-part-of-a-writer-s-equipment-almost-as/) [Irwin Shaw](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/irwin-shaw/) > [I'd be more frightened by not using whatever abilities I'd been given. I'd be more frightened by procrastination and laziness.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/denzel-washington/i-d-be-more-frightened-by-not-using-whatever-abilities-i-d-been-given/) [Denzel Washington](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/denzel-washington/) > [Bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. Take what I cannot give: my heart, body, thoughts, time, abilities, money, health, strength,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elizabeth-prentiss/bring-into-captivity-every-thought-to-the-obedience-of-christ-take/) [Elizabeth Prentiss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elizabeth-prentiss/) > [You can only do the work to the very best of your ability.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christine-baranski/you-can-only-do-the-work-to-the-very-best-of-your-ability/) [Christine Baranski](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christine-baranski/) > [Judge a person not by his ability to make money but by his ability to retain it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vikrant-parsai/judge-a-person-not-by-his-ability-to-make-money-but-by-his-ability-to/) [Vikrant Parsai](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vikrant-parsai/) > [Balance is the ability to be happy in the midst of the most chaotic or even boring or transient circumstance.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-lenz/balance-is-the-ability-to-be-happy-in-the-midst-of-the-most-chaotic/) [Frederick Lenz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-lenz/) > [Bobby had faith in my ability as a singer.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/julie-london/bobby-had-faith-in-my-ability-as-a-singer/) [Julie London](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/julie-london/) [Browse all 9,990 Ability quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ability/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "One of the most important-and most neglected-elements in the beginning of the interior life is the ability to respond to reality, to see the value and the beauty in ordinary things, to come alive to the splendour that is all around us.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Thomas Merton" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-merton/one-of-the-most-important-and-most-neglected-elements-in-the/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Ability" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-merton/one-of-the-most-important-and-most-neglected-elements-in-the/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/28a/thomas-merton-231_ability_one-of-the-most-important-and-most-negle_1244920.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/28a/thomas-merton-231_ability_one-of-the-most-important-and-most-negle_1244920.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/28a/thomas-merton-231_ability_one-of-the-most-important-and-most-negle_1244920.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“One of the most important-and most neglected-elements in the beginning of the interior life is the ability…” — Thomas Merton", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Thomas Merton", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-merton/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "One of the most important-and most...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-merton/one-of-the-most-important-and-most-neglected-elements-in-the/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-merton/one-of-the-most-important-and-most-neglected-elements-in-the/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```