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This leaves us with the urgent question: How can we be or…

“This leaves us with the urgent question: How can we be or become a caring community, a community of people not trying to cover the pain or to avoid it by sophisticated bypasses, but rather share it as the source of healing and new life? It is important to realize that you cannot get a Ph.D. in…” quote by Henri J.M. Nouwen
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““This leaves us with the urgent question: How can we be or become a caring community, a community of people not trying to cover the pain or to avoid it by sophisticated bypasses, but rather share it as the source of healing and new life? It is important to realize that you cannot get a Ph.D. in caring, that caring cannot be delegated by specialists, and that therefore nobody can be excused from caring. Still, in a society like ours, we have a strong tendency to refer to specialists. When someone does not feel well, we quickly think, 'Where can we find a doctor?' When someone is confused, we easily advise him to go to a counselor. And when someone is dying, we quickly call a priest. Even when someone wants to pray we wonder if there is a minister around.””

Henri J.M. Nouwen

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Calls for collective caring beyond professional reliance, emphasizing shared responsibility for healing.

In simple terms: Caring is a communal duty, not just for experts.

Key Takeaway

Foster community empathy and shared support.

Themes

community care healing responsibility

Mood

thoughtful inspirational

Type

philosophical social.

When to use this quote

  • healthcare
  • mental health
  • spiritual guidance
  • community building

Key Concepts

social ethics psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you contribute to communal caring?
  • What barriers prevent shared responsibility?
A Different Perspective

Specialists still have vital roles.

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