Most of the people in my life (apart from family) are in books. Whether a Danish thinker from the 1900s, or a monk from the 1950s, the people who most inspire me – and make me think – are people I meet in books.

So here is one: Thomas Merton.

I identify with his need for solitude. The Journals which were published after his death show a man “working out his salvation with fear and trembling”. We also have a number of his talks which show a man full of humour and insight.

So welcome Thomas Merton!