From "one of the most prophetic Catholic writers of our time," philosophical essays exploring topics such as totalitarianism, love and solitude ( New Republic ). This classic collection of essays from leading Christian theologian Thomas Merton explores the coming together of the active and the contemplative life and the relationship of individuals to society. Merton's writing is both lively and profound as he leads the reader through the hard questions of modern existence. Includes a preface by Father M. Louis.