Name: No Man is an Island
Rating: 4.25 (4 reviews)
ISBN: 9781590302538

Thomas Merton

This volume is a stimulating series of spiritual reflections which will prove helpful for all struggling to find the meaning of human existence and to live the richest, fullest and noblest life. --Chicago Tribune

No Man is an Island

Ibrahim Seliman

I really, really wanted to like this book, but it never resonated with me. His concept of salvation and mine are completely different. He sounds so confusing and is determined to add his two cents worth to Christian doctrine. There are Buddhist that I read and loved and enjoyed and enjoyed. But this Merton however has a brain that too big for Christian simple beliefs as articulated in the Bible. Where is the simplicity of childlike faith?

Dana Kraft

This is the first book I've read by Merton. It won't be the last. There is a lot of depth here that I hoped to find in My Bright Abyss, but didn't.  
Specific passages or concepts that were most meaningful to me now:
- distinction between tradition and convention.
- the truth is something to serve, not something to obtain or own
- "scattered powers are easily fatigued"
- you can't find god simply by trying to not sin. "You can not be found in the Temple simply by expelling the money changers."
- when we find ourselves in shadow, that shadow is cast by god's light and bears witness indirectly to his presence.
- like the idea of sincerity in actions; seeking things only for the glory of god.

I need to read this again in smaller chunks and reflect on them.  I find his concept of solitude appealing even if I don't really understand it.

Kevin S Perrine

3.5 some essays really good and others somewhat less so, but still a solid read.

No Man is an Island

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