Thomas Merton

But meanwhile, keep your sense of compassion

for the people who have forgotten the very concept of solitude.

You at least know that it exists and that it is the source of peace and joy.

You can still hope for such joy

They do not even hope for it anymore.

Perfect renunciation Establishes one in a state of spiritual solitude Peace Tranquility Clarity

gentleness and joy in which one is fully disposed for meditation and contemplative prayer.

There is no true solitude except interior solitude.

And interior solitude is not possible for anyone who does not accept their right place in relation to others.

There is no true peace possible for one who still imagines that some accident of talent or grace or virtue segregates them from other people and places them above them.

Solitude is not separation.