Seeds by Thomas Merton, Selected and edited by Robert Inchausti

Thomas Merton, renowned author and Trappist monk, defines himself as one who is "in opposition to the world" in both word and deed.  He  has written many insightful books, often with critiques of all sorts of things.  In this series of meditations or essays, he treats of Real and False Selves; The World We Live In; Truth, Silence, Solitude; Meditation and Prayer;  Monasticism, Faith, Charity, Humility, Vocation and God; Nonviolence, Sainthood and other topics.

In the section "The World We Live in" he says we live in a world of upheaval and revolution, a spiritual crisis, resulting from the chaotic forces that exist in everyone.  The good and the evil are bursting out, boiling over, like never before.  He calls the world an "Unquiet City", where some of its citizens merely pretend they are living, are  obsessed with lack of time and  lack of space, where we are so crowded together in cities that there is no room for nature.  He decries the indifference, meaninglessness, lack of true communication  -- and countless other traits that typify our society.

Merton claims that the distance between the poor and the rich is greater now  than ever before, where racism is rampant, and that we think we can solve all our problems by ourselves; that we have a schizoid society, schizoid national structures, schizoid military and business, and even schizoid religious sects.  He says the problem is that our habits of thought and action are basically idolatrous and mythical…and he explains each of these scathing critiques as only he can do.

In the final section, dealing with love in action and sainthood, Merton gives invaluable comments, observations and suggestions for better living.  In the entire book, merely paraphrasing what this author says is totally inadequate for capturing his entire message.  You need to read the book for yourselves to fully comprehend and benefit from the precious "Seeds" that he offers.