Contemplation in a world of action cover

Contemplation in a world of action

by Thomas Merton

The spiritual and psychological insights of these essays were nurtured in a monastic milieu, but their issues are universally human. Merton lays a foundation for personal growth and transformation through fidelity to "our own truth and inner being." Our desire and need to attain "a fully human and personal identity" is the focus of Merton's concern. The republication of this classic in a newly restored, corrected edition is the first of Gethsemani Studies, a series of books that explores, through the twin perspectives of psychology and religion, the dynamics and depths of being fully human.

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Chappie’s discussion starters

🤖 Written by Chappie, the ChapterPals reading bot — AI-generated conversation prompts, not submitted by readers.

  1. Which character stayed with you after you turned the last page, and why?
  2. Was there a moment where you disagreed with a character’s choice? What would you have done?
  3. What theme did this book keep circling back to — and did it earn its ending?
  4. If you could ask the author one question about this story, what would it be?
  5. Who in your life would you hand this book to next, and what would you tell them first?