--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The sacred attitude is, then, one of deep…" description: "\"The sacred attitude is, then, one of deep and fundamental respect for the real in whatever new form it may present itself.\" — Thomas Merton" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/edd/thomas-merton-231_attitude_the-sacred-attitude-is-then-one-of-deep_2115507.jpg" --- # The sacred attitude is, then, one of deep and fundamental… ![“The sacred attitude is, then, one of deep and fundamental respect for the real in whatever new form it may present itself.” quote by Thomas Merton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/edd/thomas-merton-231_attitude_the-sacred-attitude-is-then-one-of-deep_2115507.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/edd/thomas-merton-231_attitude_the-sacred-attitude-is-then-one-of-deep_2115507.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/edd/thomas-merton-231_attitude_the-sacred-attitude-is-then-one-of-deep_2115507.jpg) > “The sacred attitude is, then, one of deep and fundamental respect for the real in whatever new form it may present itself.” [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. Respecting the sacred in all new forms cultivates humility and openness. **In simple terms:** Honor the new and unknown. Key Takeaway Cultivate reverence. Themes spirituality humility openness Mood contemplative reverent Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - encountering new ideas - art appreciation - cross‑cultural interactions Key Concepts philosophy theology existentialism Questions to Reflect On - How do you recognize the sacred in everyday life? - What practices help you stay open to new forms? A Different Perspective Not all experiences feel sacred to everyone. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Attitude](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/attitude/) [Respect](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/respect/) [Sacred](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sacred/) [Spirituality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/spirituality/) ## Related quotes > [There is a subtle but inescapable connection between the "sacred" attitude and the acceptance of one's in most self.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-merton/there-is-a-subtle-but-inescapable-connection-between-the-sacred/) [Thomas Merton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-merton/) > [Criminal justice is about respecting the law and being respected by the law so there is a fundamental respect issue here.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tim-kaine/criminal-justice-is-about-respecting-the-law-and-being-respected-by/) [Tim Kaine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tim-kaine/) > [We are taught to treat a practice sword with all the respect of a real weapon, so no thoughtless mistakes are made" "Oh... In…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/megan-whalen-turner/we-are-taught-to-treat-a-practice-sword-with-all-the-respect-of-a/) [Megan Whalen Turner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/megan-whalen-turner/) > [The boyfriends who still hold bags, open doors, tell their girlfriends they're beautiful and show respect are real men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-boyfriends-who-still-hold-bags-open-doors-tell-their-girlfriends/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [There is a lot of respect for Real Madrid, but it doesn't mean we can't beat them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/giorgio-chiellini/there-is-a-lot-of-respect-for-real-madrid-but-it-doesn-t-mean-we-can/) [Giorgio Chiellini](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/giorgio-chiellini/) > [If you still carry her bags, open the door for her, tell her that shes beautiful, and show her respect...you're a real man.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/drake/if-you-still-carry-her-bags-open-the-door-for-her-tell-her-that-shes/) [Drake](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/drake/) > [If you dont treat a women with respect, your not a real man.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dyllan/if-you-dont-treat-a-women-with-respect-your-not-a-real-man/) [Dyllan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dyllan/) > [I'm cool with a lot of of people. Doesn't mean they're my best friends. It just means I respect real. Real recognize real.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/i-m-cool-with-a-lot-of-of-people-doesn-t-mean-they-re-my-best-friends/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [If u still carry her bags,open d door for her,tel her she is beautiful,nd show her respect,you are a real man.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wandey/if-u-still-carry-her-bags-open-d-door-for-her-tel-her-she-is/) Wandey > [I respect the real fans and I understand them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marko-arnautovic/i-respect-the-real-fans-and-i-understand-them/) [Marko Arnautovic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marko-arnautovic/) > [If you respect the events and respect the real life tragedy, you can drive your film to address it in some mature way.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-mangold/if-you-respect-the-events-and-respect-the-real-life-tragedy-you-can/) [James Mangold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-mangold/) > [Unless our fundamental sacred connectedness with every being and thing is experienced deeply and enacted everywhere, religious, political, and other differences will go on…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-harvey/unless-our-fundamental-sacred-connectedness-with-every-being-and/) [Andrew Harvey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-harvey/) > [Banning human cloning reflects our humanity. It is the right thing to do. Creating a child through this new method calls into question our…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-j-clinton/banning-human-cloning-reflects-our-humanity-it-is-the-right-thing-to/) [William J. Clinton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-j-clinton/) > [That was one of the most fundamental and sacred duties good friends and families performed for one another! They tended the flame of memory,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dean-koontz/that-was-one-of-the-most-fundamental-and-sacred-duties-good-friends/) [Dean Koontz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dean-koontz/) > [Here's an example: someone says, "Master, please hand me the knife," and he hands them the knife, blade first. "Please give me the other…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alan-watts/here-s-an-example-someone-says-master-please-hand-me-the-knife-and-he/) [Alan Watts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alan-watts/) ## 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 Attitude quotes > [“WE CAN'T ALWAYS CONTROL OUR CIRCUMSTANCES BUT WE CAN CONTROL OUR ATTITUDE. WE MUST BE MORE CONCERNED WITH WHAT WE DO WITH WHAT HAPPENS…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marvin-j-ashton/we-can-t-always-control-our-circumstances-but-we-can-control-our/) [MARVIN J. ASHTON](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marvin-j-ashton/) > [It's not the method, it's the mindset.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andy-gilbert/it-s-not-the-method-it-s-the-mindset/) [Andy Gilbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andy-gilbert/) > [The vision of the left, full of envy and resentment, takes its worst toll on those at the bottom - whether black or white…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-sowell/the-vision-of-the-left-full-of-envy-and-resentment-takes-its-worst/) [Thomas Sowell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-sowell/) > [Changes before your eyes, things you can do and things you can't. My attitude is always let it keep rolling.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/terrence-malick/changes-before-your-eyes-things-you-can-do-and-things-you-can-t-my/) [Terrence Malick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/terrence-malick/) > [Vow to be valiant. Resolve to be radiant. Determine to be dynamic. Strive to be sincere. Aspire to be attuned.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-arthur-ward/vow-to-be-valiant-resolve-to-be-radiant-determine-to-be-dynamic/) [William Arthur Ward](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-arthur-ward/) > [Don't judge me because I'm stupid. Don't judge me because I'm, mean. Don't judge me because I'm weird. Don't judge me for mistakes. Because…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/isaiah-harden-me/don-t-judge-me-because-i-m-stupid-don-t-judge-me-because-i-m-mean-don/) Isaiah Harden (Me > [Your feelings (mood) dictate your thought, your thought determines your attitude (reactions) and your attitude describes your lifestyle, so: be careful how you feel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sheye-hassan/your-feelings-mood-dictate-your-thought-your-thought-determines-your/) Sheye Hassan > [Success will come when the societal attitude changes and not a single woman in America asks herself the question 'What did I do?'.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joe-biden/success-will-come-when-the-societal-attitude-changes-and-not-a-single/) [Joe Biden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joe-biden/) > [“Good Seeds! Gratitude is the Greatest Attitude that has no Substitute.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bernard-kelvin-clive/good-seeds-gratitude-is-the-greatest-attitude-that-has-no-substitute/) [Bernard Kelvin Clive](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bernard-kelvin-clive/) > [Jeff Chu's pilgrimage across America to discover his own place as a gay man in the Christian church as well as attitudes about being…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/donna-freitas/jeff-chu-s-pilgrimage-across-america-to-discover-his-own-place-as-a/) [Donna Freitas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/donna-freitas/) > [One genuine reason to feel jealous of my parents:-) I will never ever have a kid as awesome as their's...](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/one-genuine-reason-to-feel-jealous-of-my-parents-i-will-never-ever/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [I'm optimistic Hong Kong will achieve universal suffrage - no matter the attitude of Beijing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joshua-wong/i-m-optimistic-hong-kong-will-achieve-universal-suffrage-no-matter/) [Joshua Wong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joshua-wong/) > [My attitude it that you don't give in.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/phil-taylor/my-attitude-it-that-you-don-t-give-in/) [Phil Taylor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/phil-taylor/) > [Transparency pertains to impartial behavior, implies openness, communication, and accountability. Inculcate transparency in attitude and experience a life free of controversy and blame](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dr-anil-kr-sinha/transparency-pertains-to-impartial-behavior-implies-openness/) [Dr Anil Kr Sinha](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dr-anil-kr-sinha/) > [And if the mind thinks with a believing attitude one can do amazing things.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norman-vincent-peale/and-if-the-mind-thinks-with-a-believing-attitude-one-can-do-amazing/) [Norman Vincent Peale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norman-vincent-peale/) [Browse all 9,543 Attitude quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/attitude/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "The sacred attitude is, then, one of deep and fundamental respect for the real in whatever new form it may present itself.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Thomas Merton" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-merton/the-sacred-attitude-is-then-one-of-deep-and-fundamental-respect-for/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Attitude" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-merton/the-sacred-attitude-is-then-one-of-deep-and-fundamental-respect-for/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/edd/thomas-merton-231_attitude_the-sacred-attitude-is-then-one-of-deep_2115507.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/edd/thomas-merton-231_attitude_the-sacred-attitude-is-then-one-of-deep_2115507.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/edd/thomas-merton-231_attitude_the-sacred-attitude-is-then-one-of-deep_2115507.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“The sacred attitude is, then, one of deep and fundamental respect for the real in whatever new form it may…” — 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": "The sacred attitude is, then, one...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-merton/the-sacred-attitude-is-then-one-of-deep-and-fundamental-respect-for/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-merton/the-sacred-attitude-is-then-one-of-deep-and-fundamental-respect-for/#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 } } ] } ```