Thomas Merton is widely acclaimed as one of the most influential American spiritual writers of the past century. Thousands of readers have drawn strength from his words as well as the witness of his life, which was essentially the living out of a contemplative vision. His autobiography, The Seven Storey Mountain appears on lists of the 100 most important books of the century. The volume of printed work by and about him attests to Merton’s popularity. Thomas Merton is distinguished among most contemporary spiritual writers by the depth and substance of his thinking. Merton was a scholar who distilled the best thinking of the best theologians, philosophers, and poets throughout the centuries, from both the West and the East, and presented their thinking in the context of the Christian worldview. Thomas Merton: In My Own Words provides a portal into the monastic vocation of Thomas Merton. Quotes taken from Merton’s “own words” give the faithful a snapshot of his calling in life. More importantly, the words of Merton urge readers to embrace their vocation as baptized Christians, as members of the human family, and as people in relationships.