The Seven Storey Mountain

Thomas Merton was an educated and talented young man who could have gone on to become anything he wanted, especially a secular author which is where he was headed in his early twenties. But a rootless life had left him hungry for more and after a conversion to Catholicism, Merton felt destined to the priesthood and eventually entered a Trappist monastery with the surest of convictions that he was following his calling. Yet his remarkable ability to capture thoughts and devotions in poetry and prose kept his pen active and helped him to bring his thoughts and his faith to a worldwide audience. "The Seven Storey Mountain: An Autobiography of Faith" is Merton's account of his life growing up through his conversion. It is a relatively open and honest look at a remarkable life and an incredible faith that was cut tragically short in 1968.Merton, as the son of an itinerant painter, spent much of his early years traveling with his father to various countries, especially after the death of his mother, where his education was rather piecemeal at best. His recollections of his childhood and these voyages are filled with a child's wonder and remarkable detail. He began his college career at Cambridge, but was forced to begin anew at Columbia College in New York because of some trouble he had gotten himself into and because he had been essentially disowned by his godfather, his own father having passed away recently. This may be one criticism of Merton's autobiography, since those unfamiliar with his life will not know exactly what he left out. Indeed, this is a somewhat sanitized version of Merton's life, but that does not distract from Merton's overall message or aim.After wandering about after graduation, teaching English, writing articles and reviews and novels, and generally looking for some way to fill the void in his life, Merton converted to Catholicism. The sheer joy and calm that he experienced at this conversion is shared by the reader, as Merton lays bare his doubts and fears about his newfound faith and his possible vocation. Just when things seem bleak for Merton, when his past comes back to haunt him, his vocation is fulfilled and he enters the Trappist monastery Gethsemani in Kentucky, and the final portion of the book is devoted to his new life as a monk and what it means to lead a contemplative life."The Seven Storey Mountain" is a compelling read. While it is not overly long, it may take readers a while to read since one takes part in Merton's many contemplations along the way. Intermixed with his memories are Merton's thoughts about various issues and how faith can provide an answer in any situation. Merton's writing is evidence of his talent - his prose is often lyrical and poetic, his contemplations are prayers. It is easy to see why"The Seven Storey Mountain" has become one of the most influential religious works of the past century. Merton's life will touch a chord with readers from any background, maybe because his story seems so unlikely, but more so because of how his experiences are those shared by everyone.

The Seven Story Mountain follows the life of Thomas Merton from his hectic life as a child, from indulging in worldly pleasures while studying at Cambridge, and leading to being ordained as a monk in one of the strictest monasteries of his time. Thomas Merton explicitly explains every detail of his life allowing the reader to become totally immersed in his world. Though Merton I feel expounds on mundane details at times, his writing overall was very descriptive and exciting to read. I found this book fascinating not only because his life was so interesting and rich, but also because it is sprinkled with wisdom throughout. One heartwarming moment that i recall on pg 63 is when Merton was being cared for by another family for a short time and learns what unconditional love is. He explains his stay with them by saying: "The more I think of them, the more I realize that I must certainly owe the Privats for more than butter and milk and good nourishing food for my body. I am indebted to them for much more than the kindness and care they showed me, the goodness and the delicate solicitude with which they treated me as their own child, yet without any assertive or natural familiarity.That was why I was glad of the love the Privats showed me, and was ready to love them in return. It did not burn you, it did not hold you, it did not try to imprison you in demonstrations, or trap your feet in the snares of its interest."Another nugget of wisdom that I found useful was when Thomas Merton explains life by saying "What can we gain by sailing to the moon if we are not able to cross the abyss that separates us from ourselves? This is the most important of all voyages of discovery, and without it, all the rest are not only useless, but disastrous."The Seven Story Mountain is a fantastic book to read for anyone who is trying to find meaning and purpose in life. Merton tells us of how his quest to find meaning through worldly pleasures, and everything else under the sun, to which he later dismisses as meaningless. I believe that anyone searching for not only God but also a religion to follow could benefit from reading this because you will find the you are not alone and you will be able to relate to Merton's own struggles. This is definitely a book to read slowly and reflect on; and it is still engrossing when it rests at 467 pages!When all is said and done The Seven Story Mountain is an inspirational and comforting story of Thomas Merton the man painstakingly converting into Thomas Merton the monk. You will laugh, you will be happy, you will be sad, you will feel pain, you will feel empathy and you will grow. The Seven Story Mountain is truly an adventure to embark no matter what your faith.

I read this 466 pages long autobiography of Thomas Merton slowly . I like the way Thomas Merton evolved spiritually through introspection, solitude,writing and perseverance. It is one of the best book on spiritual evolution I have read. I will read it again . Reading this book is worth your time .

This is a must-read for everyone wanting to know more about the Trappist monk Thomas Merton. I myself decided to start off with his biography and eventually move on to his other books. His autobiography really lights the way to a man who was a real searcher of truth and God. I believe he found both. Sadly, his untimely passing in 1968 shows once more, that great souls are not always accepted in this illusionary world.

Book came in great condition. Can't wait to read it

Me gustó la rapidez, la facilidad de compra, el buen estado del libro. Ya había comprado otros y espero seguir haciéndolo.

I chose this book because it's a well-known classic that I always wanted to read. Also, it's a memoir, which I hoped to find helpful in writing my own memoir. Merton is a brilliant writer, recreating places and phases of his life story in such a way as to place me right in the thick of it. Also a gifted theologian, he writes convincingly of the reality of faith, the reality of God. He is convincing because he so deeply and unequivocally believes it himself. He is mercilessly honest about his own failings and wrongdoings, his pride, self-delusion, etc. From a young, confused, hedonistic, self-absorbed young man to a committed, serious man of faith, he took me every step of the way, never losing my understanding and sympathy. Why? Because of his scrupulous self-honesty and self-criticism. He also intelligently and fairly criticizes religious orders, holding them up to the ideal forged by Christ. Believers and nonbelievers alike will find this book intriguing and provocative.Colleen Gillis