Post by Gerry Slamon

This Too is America! The great American spiritual writer, Thomas Merton, who has been one of the most profound influences on my life since I first read his 'Seven Storey Mountain' autobiography when I was just fourteen. I have continued to read this book and the other writings of Thomas Merton throughout the whole of my life. He is full of a great American energy and passion, together with an openess of mind and heart that is America at its very best. Here is a small sample of his very profound wisdom: ‘But if you ask me to identify myself, don’t ask where I live, or what I eat, or how I comb my hair, but ask what I think I live for, in detail, and ask what keeps me from living fully what I want to live for. Between those two answers, you can determine the identity of each person.’ Happy Birthday America!