Ivan Merz and the Search for the Truth

Abstract

This article is devoted to Ivan Merz and his search for truth. It begins with an analysis of the literary works which Merz studied and which contributed to his intellectual development. Through these works we arrive at Merz's conclusion regarding the importance and significance of philosophy in man's life. The author continues to expound on Merz's search for truth in various literary-aesthetic material forms, and his later abandonment of the same, only to discover the existence of a higher idea, a universal truth. This is followed by an exposition of Merz's claims on the importance of the spiritual dimension, his discovery that God exists and the fact that the soul aspires to Him unawares. The last part of the article deals with man's struggle to uncover the real truth, and the author comes to the conclusion that a universal truth exists which is attainable by all.