When Merton wrote "Contemplation in a World of Action", he considered the purpose of his writing was to try to examine the basic question of meaning. (1) Merton attempted to achieve a certain degree of spiritual harmony and balance in his own life, a social conscience, and a solitary with a need for society, a traditionalist with a radical penchant for change. For him contemplation was the fundamental reality of life. It is how we are truly human, what is real and alive. (2)
             According to Merton, everyone is called to live a faithful life, a life in the world with god in it. Man should attempt to be aware of, and understand God's closeness. Understanding with special passion to increase and perfect our love for him. (2) If we are made in the image of God, thus we are compelled to live our lives as he intends for us, and to share in the enlightenment that his love for us is absolute. Of course, modern man is consumed more with the quantity of life, rather than the quality of it. The more we attain in power, prestige, and greatness, the better we look in the eyes of others and ourselves. "The False Self", is condemned to failure, because it is without "The Inner Self", that is having God in and through us. (2)
             To have belief in God is to be a true devotee, that is an earnest want that draws man to look for an entirely new way of existence within the world, and with God. To gain the knowledge of contemplation, we must look at our faith, the way we pray to achieve our innermost feeling of being one with the our God. Merton advised that in trying to achieve holy
             pleasure through drugs is an attempt only. The use of psychedelic drugs only mimics the integration of love without producing it. (1)
             Merton writes, "He who attempts to act and do things for others or for the world without deepening his own self-understanding, freedom, integri
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