A selection of Merton’s a finest writing in which he discusses solitude, ST John of the Cross, the primitive Carmelite ideal, Christianity and totalitarianism, and the power and meaning of love. The ideas and insights in this book reflect light on contemporary spiritual life. And it is with spirituality that Merton is concerned. He aims, by thinking out loud on ideas and events which he feels are significant in some way to the spiritual and intellectual life of modern man – to awaken a degree of spiritual awareness.