Richard Rohr quotes
1943 – · Contemporary, 20th–21st century · Catholic priest, Franciscan friar, author and spiritual teacher
About Richard Rohr
Born in 1943 in Kansas, Rohr founded the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque. He promotes a Franciscan contemplative spirituality emphasizing kenosis, nondual thinking and freedom through letting go of ego, power and success. His books and retreats have shaped contemporary Christian contemplative practice.
Works: Healing Our Violence Through the Journey of Centering Prayer; The Art of Letting Go: Living the Wisdom of Saint Francis
Quotes
“All great spirituality teaches about letting go of what you don’t need and who you are not.”
Source: Healing Our Violence Through the Journey of Centering Prayer (book) · Check the source
Verified attribution What we know
- What is documented
- The wording is reliably attributed to Richard Rohr and is associated in secondary sources with his book Healing Our Violence Through the Journey of Centering Prayer.
- What remains uncertain
- Attribution is verified, though exact punctuation and the specific page reference vary across sources; many reproductions derive from secondary quotes and meditations.
Rohr argues that spiritual freedom comes from radical letting go: shedding possessions, roles, and false identity uncovers a small inner place that is enough. The wording is tied to his book Healing Our Violence Through the Journey of Centering Prayer and reflects his Franciscan emphasis on humility and kenotic surrender.