Thomas Merton

1915–1968

Thomas Merton (1915–1968) was a Trappist monk at the Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky. His autobiography The Seven Storey Mountain brought him a wide readership; his later writing and correspondence addressed contemplation, racial justice, nonviolence and dialogue across religious traditions.

Traced to source

2 quotes we’ve traced to Thomas Merton

“Our job is to love others without stopping to inquire whether or not they are worthy”

Attributed

“Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm and harmony”

Disputed

Not actually Thomas Merton

Often misattributed to Thomas Merton

Famous lines widely pinned on Thomas Merton that we’ve traced to someone else.

“Life is not a problem to be solved, but a mystery to be lived”

actually J. J. van der Leeuw

On the research bench

Commonly pinned on Thomas Merton — under review

1 line flagged as pinned on Thomas Merton and queued for a full source trace — not yet verified.

“We may spend our whole life climbing the ladder of success, only to find when we get to the top that our ladder is leaning against the wrong wall.”

Likely misattributed

Did they really say it?

Thought Thomas Merton said something else?

Type a quote you think Thomas Merton said — we’ll tell you what we know, or point you to the best sources.