The seeds of this sublime life are planted in every Christian soul at baptism. But seeds must grow and develop before you reap the harvest. There are thousands of Christians walking about the face of the earth bearing in their bodies the infinite God of Whom they know practically nothing. They are themselves sons of God and are not aware of their identity. Instead of seeking to know themselves and their true dignity, they struggle miserably to impersonate the alienated characters whose "greatness" rests on violence, craftiness, lust, and greed.
— Thomas Merton, The Inner Experience by Thomas Merton, William H. Shannon, editor