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Men live in a community in virtue of the things which they…

“Men live in a community in virtue of the things which they have in common; and communication is the way in which they come to possess things in common. What they must have in common in order to form a community or society are aims, beliefs, aspirations, knowledge - a common understanding…” quote by John Dewey
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“Men live in a community in virtue of the things which they have in common; and communication is the way in which they come to possess things in common. What they must have in common in order to form a community or society are aims, beliefs, aspirations, knowledge - a common understanding - likemindedness as the sociologists say.”

John Dewey

About This Quote

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

Community emerges when shared goals, beliefs, and knowledge bind individuals; communication creates and sustains that common ground.

In simple terms: Shared understanding builds society.

Key Takeaway

Communication unites people.

Themes

social cohesion communication shared values collective identity sociology

Mood

reflective optimistic inquisitive

Type

philosophical sociological inspirational

When to use this quote

  • team projects
  • neighborhood meetings
  • online forums
  • civic engagement
  • educational settings

Key Concepts

common ground aims beliefs knowledge

Practical Applications

  • facilitating group decision‑making
  • designing collaborative platforms

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does communication shape collective identity?
  • What happens when common ground erodes?
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