The article analyzes the understanding of writer Thomas Merton of Confucianism. Based from his books "Seeds of Contemplation" and "The Ascent to Truth," Merton regards Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam as religions of higher category. Merton did not think of Confucianism as a "higher religion" because he is reportedly obsessed with the world of modernization which is said to be corrupted by industrialization, capitalism, and war. According to the article, he sees Confucianism as devoted to satisfying natural necessities like family and reputation.
