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The Seven Storey Mountain summary
Brief summary
The Seven Storey Mountain by Thomas Merton is a spiritual autobiography that chronicles the author's journey from a life of worldly pursuits to one of contemplative solitude in a quest for God.
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The Seven Storey Mountain
Summary of key ideas
Seeking Solace in Solitude
In The Seven Storey Mountain, Thomas Merton recounts his early life and his search for meaning. Raised in a bohemian and secular environment, he was orphaned at a young age and spent his formative years in boarding schools. Despite his intellectual pursuits, he felt a deep spiritual void and a sense of alienation from the world around him.
As Merton enters Columbia University, his feelings of isolation intensify. He immerses himself in a life of intellectual pursuits, social activism, and worldly pleasures, yet his discontent grows. As World War II looms, he decides to escape the chaos and seek solace in solitude. He converts to Catholicism and becomes a Trappist monk in Kentucky's Abbey of Gethsemani.
The Inner Journey
Within the abbey's walls, Merton begins a rigorous spiritual regimen. He delves into the works of mystics, theologians, and philosophers. He embraces a life of prayer, silence, and manual labor. Despite the austere and regimented lifestyle, Merton finds a sense of freedom and peace he has never known before. He undergoes a profound transformation, shedding his former self and embracing his new identity as a monk.
As Merton deepens his understanding of Catholicism and the monastic life, he also becomes more aware of the world outside the abbey. He grapples with the moral and ethical implications of the war, racial segregation, and the growing consumerist culture. His spiritual journey intertwines with his growing social consciousness, leading him to write influential essays and books on peace, social justice, and interfaith dialogue.
The Struggle with Solitude
Despite his deepening commitment to the monastic life, Merton faces internal conflicts. He battles with his ego, desires, and the temptation to seek spiritual validation from his writings. He also yearns for a deeper connection with the world, feeling a sense of responsibility to address its problems. His struggle with solitude and his desire for a more active role in the world lead him to seek a balance between contemplation and action.
Over the years, Merton's writings become a bridge between the cloistered life of the monastery and the tumultuous world outside. He engages in correspondence with prominent figures, including Martin Luther King Jr., and participates in interfaith dialogues. His writings, marked by their clarity, depth, and empathy, resonate with people from all walks of life, making him a significant spiritual figure of the 20th century.
Death and Legacy
Tragically, Merton's life is cut short when he dies in 1968, electrocuted by a faulty fan while attending a conference in Thailand. His sudden death shocks the world, but his legacy endures. His writings, which include over 70 books and countless essays, continue to inspire and challenge readers with their profound insights into the human condition, spirituality, and the quest for meaning.
In conclusion, The Seven Storey Mountain is not just a personal account of one man's spiritual journey, but a universal exploration of the human quest for meaning and the struggle to reconcile the inner and outer worlds. It remains a testament to the transformative power of solitude, the complexities of faith, and the enduring pursuit of peace.
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What is The Seven Storey Mountain about?
The Seven Storey Mountain is a spiritual autobiography by Thomas Merton. It recounts his journey from a young man living a worldly life to his decision to become a Trappist monk. Merton reflects on his search for meaning and truth, and the challenges and revelations he encounters along the way. The book offers profound insights into the nature of spirituality and the quest for inner peace.
The Seven Storey Mountain Review
The Seven Storey Mountain (1948) by Thomas Merton chronicles the author's spiritual journey from a worldly life to finding peace and purpose in a monastery. Here's why this book is worth your time:
- Offers insightful reflections on the search for meaning and the quest for spiritual fulfillment, resonating with readers grappling with similar existential questions.
- Explores the complexities of faith and the inner struggles involved in pursuing a deeper connection with the divine, making it a profound and thought-provoking read.
- With its engaging narrative and profound moments of self-discovery, this book goes beyond traditional memoirs, keeping readers captivated and inspired throughout.
Who should read The Seven Storey Mountain?
Individuals seeking spiritual growth and self-discovery
Readers interested in the intersection of religion and modern life
Those curious about the journey of a man who found peace and purpose in a monastic lifestyle
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The Seven Storey Mountain FAQs
What is the main message of The Seven Storey Mountain?
The main message is a reflection on the pursuit of spiritual fulfillment and the journey towards self-discovery.
How long does it take to read The Seven Storey Mountain?
The reading time varies, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in a much shorter time.
Is The Seven Storey Mountain a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Seven Storey Mountain is worth reading for its profound exploration of faith and personal transformation.
Who is the author of The Seven Storey Mountain?
The author of The Seven Storey Mountain is Thomas Merton.
What to read after The Seven Storey Mountain?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Seven Storey Mountain, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- God Is Not Great by Christopher Hitchens
- The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
- The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama
- On Being by Peter Atkins
- The Biology of Belief by Bruce H. Lipton
- Buddha’s Brain by Rick Hanson
- Choose Yourself by James Altucher
- Going Clear by Lawrence Wright
- The Power of No by James Altucher & Claudia Azula Altucher
- The Demon-Haunted World by Carl Sagan