Moore's writings considered "holy" by reader

On St. Patrick's Day in 2007, Lorette C. Luzajic posted an article called "Looking after the Soul: Thomas Moore Speaks" that talks about the effect Thomas Moore's writings have had on her. A revised version is available as "Thomas Moore Speaks on Soul."

In her article, Luzajic says, "As the pages turn in his many works on the soul, and indeed his many reflections of Eros and soul-mating, we deepen our understanding of ourselves. Moore goes right into the heart and pries it open, but gently, assuring you the whole way that you are safe. He speaks wisely and in soothing tones about difficult areas in our lives, holding the dark spots up to sunlight, shedding light on our path inwards. One can't help but feel naked beforeis stranger, and yet the union between reader and writer is so ... holy."

She includes quotes from Moore's books and direct references about his understanding of soul. According to Luzajic, Moore says:

"My own definition of the soul is the component in beings that gives them their individuality, their mysterious depth, their capacity to imagine and relate, and their connection with memory. In addition, I see the soul as having certain characteristics or areas peculiar to it: beauty, intimacy, friendship, imagination and the poetic, shadow, connection, and memory. We can talk about an animal, a place, and even as object as having a soul. When we speak of a person as having soul, we mean that this is someone who has not defended himself against life, and has been made more human because of it."

Luzajic quotes Moore responding to a question about therapy:

"Is attention [to] the soul self-indulgent? I wish it were required of our leaders that they read excellent books, be intensely involved in the arts, and be in therapy. I don't think that the arts and therapy are going to kill us off as a people...the problem with modern society is not too much attention to the self but unconscious narcissism. We don't treat each other well as people."

She also highlights passages from Moore’s various books that especially resonate with her.
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Do you want to comment on Luzajic's article? Join the free forum at Barque: Thomas Moore Forum.