Lord Knows at Least Was There: An Exploration of the Enduring Legacy of Thomas Merton

Thomas Merton was a Trappist monk, priest, poet, social critic, and peace activist who lived from 1915 to 1968. He is considered one of the most important spiritual writers of the 20th century, and his writings continue to be widely read and studied today. Merton was a prolific writer, and his work includes over 70 books and countless articles, poems, and letters. His writing is characterized by its honesty, depth, and compassion, and it explores a wide range of topics, including spirituality, social justice, and the search for meaning in life.

Lord Knows, At Least I Was There: Working with Stephen Sondheim

by Paul Ford

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2859 KB
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Early Life and Conversion

Thomas Merton was born in Prades, France, on January 31, 1915. His father was an American artist, and his mother was a New Zealander. Merton's family moved to the United States when he was a child, and he grew up in Douglaston, New York. Merton was a gifted student, and he attended Columbia University, where he studied English and philosophy. After graduating from Columbia, Merton worked as a teacher and a writer. However, he soon became disillusioned with the secular world, and in 1941 he entered the Abbey of Gethsemani, a Trappist monastery in Kentucky.

Life as a Monk

Merton lived at Gethsemani for the rest of his life. He was ordained a priest in 1949, and he spent his days in prayer, study, and writing. Merton was a contemplative monk, and he believed that the monastic life was the best way to live a life of faith and love. However, Merton was also a man of action, and he was deeply involved in social justice issues. He was an outspoken critic of war and violence, and he worked to promote peace and understanding between different cultures.

Writing and Legacy

Merton was a prolific writer, and his work includes over 70 books and countless articles, poems, and letters. His writing is characterized by its honesty, depth, and compassion, and it explores a wide range of topics, including spirituality, social justice, and the search for meaning in life. Merton's most famous works include The Seven Storey Mountain (1948),a spiritual autobiography that describes his journey from atheism to faith; Seeds of Contemplation (1949),a collection of essays on the monastic life; and New Seeds of Contemplation (1961),a collection of essays on the search for meaning in life.

Merton's writing has had a profound impact on people around the world. He has been praised by spiritual leaders of all faiths, and his work continues to be widely read and studied today. Merton's legacy is one of peace, love, and compassion. He was a man who lived his life in service to others, and his writing continues to inspire people to seek a deeper and more meaningful life.

Thomas Merton was a man of profound faith and compassion. He lived his life in service to others, and his writing continues to inspire people around the world. Merton's legacy is one of peace, love, and compassion, and his work will continue to be read and studied for generations to come.

Lord Knows, At Least I Was There: Working with Stephen Sondheim

by Paul Ford

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2859 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	270 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE