“What society preaches as ‘the good life’ is in fact a systematically organized way of death, not only because it is saturated with what psychologists call an unconscious death wish, but because it actually rests on death. It is built on the death of the nonconformist, the alien, the odd ball, the enemy, the criminal. It is based on war, on imprisonment, on punitive methods which include not only mental and physical torture but, above all, the death penalty.”– Thomas Merton’s introduction to The Plague by Albert Camus
See also Jim Forest's essay, "Thomas Merton's Affinity with Albert Camus".
http://jimandnancyforest.com/2016/09/thomas-mertons-affinity-with-albert-camus/
First, thank you for the posting.
ReplyDeleteIt provided an opportunity to think on the issue which is current now.
That to know Merton had affinity for Camus makes us feel about Merton as 'one of us', , irrespective of where we are from, what religion we belong to. Many of his views have global appeal, but as of now it seems to be recognised only in the Christian world. Probably in due course of time he would be known to the whole world and his views made 'applied'.
I visited Jim Forest's web site also. Quite resourceful and rewarding to go through. His photographs with the 'Teacher'TNH is quite pleasing.
With thanks once again, all the best!
First, thank you for the posting.
ReplyDeleteIt provided an opportunity to think on the issue which is current now.
That to know Merton had affinity for Camus makes us feel about Merton as 'one of us', , irrespective of where we are from, what religion we belong to. Many of his views have global appeal, but as of now it seems to be recognised only in the Christian world. Probably in due course of time he would be known to the whole world and his views made 'applied'.
I visited Jim Forest's web site also. Quite resourceful and rewarding to go through. His photographs with the 'Teacher'TNH is quite pleasing.
With thanks once again, all the best!
I know what you mean, Anbazhagan, about Merton hitting a chord with all of us, no matter what faith tradition (or no tradition). He got down to what it means to be human, and didn't get lost in the usual pieties. The connection Merton had with Camus is intriguing. Makes me want to go back and read "The Plague".
DeleteJim Forest is a treasure. I met him once and he is just as extraordinary in person as are his writings.
Thanks for commenting.