The soul of man, left to its own natural level, is a potentially lucid crystal left in darkness. It is perfect in its own nature, but it lacks something that it can only receive from outside and above itself. But when the light shines in it, it becomes in a manner transformed into light and seems to lose its nature in the splendor of a higher nature, the nature of the light that is in it.
Thomas MertonSolitude and silence teach me to love my brothers for what they are, not for what they say.
Thomas MertonHow can I be sincere if I am constantly changing my mind to conform with the shadow of what I think others expect of me?
Thomas Merton