The Inward Journey

by Howard Thurman

Meditations that address the deepest needs and aspirations of the human spirit. Themes include: The Quest for Meaning, The Quest for Understanding, The Quest for Fulfillment, The Quest for Love, The Quest for Peace, The Quest for God, and Psalm 139.

Genres: Psychology, Spirituality, Mysticism, Theology, Christian

156 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1961

About the author

Howard Washington Thurman was an author, philosopher, theologian, educator, and civil rights leader. As a prominent religious figure, he played a leading role in many social justice movements and organizations of the twentieth century.

Reviews

[Chanequa Walker-Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve used this book for my daily devotions over a nearly 5-month period. Like many of Thurman’s other books, it is a compilation of short essays and poetry, loosely grouped by themes. It’s one of those books that’s likely to impact you differently depending upon what you’re going through and what particular wisdom you need at the time. I found several gems here, but perhaps most compelling was Thurman’s poetic reflections on Psalm 139. Those readings in themselves are worthy of repeated study.

[Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

What are the main ideas?

i struggle to grab onto what thurman’s “main ideas” are here because the book feels like it transcends the idea of main ideas. he says himself in the foreword “there are not many windows in these meditations; they are as the title indicates, in Inward Journey…”

each 1-2 page essay is a short reflection on a thought or two that helped him explore go deep into himself, which is into relationship with the Divine. the chapters of the book each feel like a particular lane into the self. each is framed as a quest, which speaks to thurman’s understanding of the work required to go inside oneself…


the quest for meaning
“…” understanding
“…” fulfillment
“…” love
“…” peace
“…” God
psalm 139


If I implemented one idea from this book right now, which one would it be?

remember that in each and every moment is a possibility to commune with the Divine. find it.

How would I describe the book to a friend?

a beautiful (sometimes bewildering) series of essays designed to help us remember how much access we have to Divinity if we could only remember how to look.

[Bill Samuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd volume of weekly meditations Thurman wrote for Marsh Chapel at Boston University. There are 113 meditations divided into 7 sections. Most of them are done as brief essays, but in 2 of the sections they are all done in poetry. These are decades old. Some of them seem somewhat archaic and some of them seem to speak to today's events. Many will be be disturbed by the masculine language of their day. Some of them have very deep insights. They are permeated by Thurman's deep faith in God and in God's presence with us and throughout all creation.

[Eugene Downing, Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A classic journey to inner awareness that is without peer in its genre, Thurman illustrative genius and deep theological rhythm do not disappoint. More than that, the healing help in his voice leads one closer to the divine voice within.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rich anthology of Thurman's weekly meditations. This is a book to linger over. Despite the some aspects of the text feeling dated, Thurman's prose remains beautiful. Every now and then the book became a doorway to God's presence.

[Katie Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book from Thurman, in particular his approach to Psalm 139 was quite moving. An appropriate companion for devotional reading.