Thomas Merton (1915-1968) was an American Trappist monk, theologian, mystic, poet, and social activist who became arguably the most influential American Catholic author of the 20th century. Known in his monastery as Father Louis, he was a member of the Abbey of Our Lady of Gethsemani in Kentucky. He successfully bridged the gap between strict, isolated monastic life and the turbulent social issues of the modern world.