
- English
- ePUB (mobile friendly)
- Available on iOS & Android
eBook - ePub
The Ascent to Truth. Illustrated
About this book
The Ascent to Truth by Thomas Merton is a profound exploration of the spiritual journey toward union with God, written from within the Christian contemplative tradition. Drawing heavily on monastic theology and mystical writers, Merton examines the process by which the human soul moves from illusion and self-centeredness toward divine truth. He emphasizes that true knowledge of God is not intellectual achievement but a transformation of the whole person through humility, faith, and love.
The book reflects deeply on themes of purification, detachment, and inner silence. Merton describes the obstacles that prevent spiritual growth, including false images of God, excessive reliance on reason, and attachment to personal achievement. Through disciplined prayer and surrender, the believer gradually learns to let go of the ego and become receptive to God's action. Merton's tone is demanding yet compassionate, inviting readers to face the cost of authentic contemplation without romanticizing it.
The Ascent to Truth stands as one of Merton's most serious and theologically rich works. It is especially suited for readers engaged in advanced spiritual practice or theological study, offering a rigorous vision of contemplative life rooted in Christian mysticism. The book remains a key text for those seeking depth, clarity, and integrity in the pursuit of spiritual truth.
Trusted by 375,005 students
Access to over 1.5 million titles for a fair monthly price.
Study more efficiently using our study tools.
Information
Topic
Theology & ReligionSubtopic
Philosophy History & TheoryTable of contents
- Prologue: Mysticism in Man’s Life
- Part I. The Cloud and the Fire
- Part II. Reason and Mysticismin Saint John of the Cross
- Part III. Doctrine and Experience
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can cancel anytime from the Subscription tab in your account settings on the Perlego website. Your subscription will stay active until the end of your current billing period. Learn how to cancel your subscription
No, books cannot be downloaded as external files, such as PDFs, for use outside of Perlego. However, you can download books within the Perlego app for offline reading on mobile or tablet. Learn how to download books offline
Perlego offers two plans: Essential and Complete
- Essential is ideal for learners and professionals who enjoy exploring a wide range of subjects. Access the Essential Library with 800,000+ trusted titles and best-sellers across business, personal growth, and the humanities. Includes unlimited reading time and Standard Read Aloud voice.
- Complete: Perfect for advanced learners and researchers needing full, unrestricted access. Unlock 1.5M+ books across hundreds of subjects, including academic and specialized titles. The Complete Plan also includes advanced features like Premium Read Aloud and Research Assistant.
We are an online textbook subscription service, where you can get access to an entire online library for less than the price of a single book per month. With over 1.5 million books across 990+ topics, we’ve got you covered! Learn about our mission
Look out for the read-aloud symbol on your next book to see if you can listen to it. The read-aloud tool reads text aloud for you, highlighting the text as it is being read. You can pause it, speed it up and slow it down. Learn more about Read Aloud
Yes! You can use the Perlego app on both iOS and Android devices to read anytime, anywhere — even offline. Perfect for commutes or when you’re on the go.
Please note we cannot support devices running on iOS 13 and Android 7 or earlier. Learn more about using the app
Please note we cannot support devices running on iOS 13 and Android 7 or earlier. Learn more about using the app
Yes, you can access The Ascent to Truth. Illustrated by Thomas Merton in PDF and/or ePUB format, as well as other popular books in Theology & Religion & Philosophy History & Theory. We have over 1.5 million books available in our catalogue for you to explore.