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Wendell Berry’s definition: “If the word community is to…

“Wendell Berry’s definition: “If the word community is to mean or amount to anything, it must refer to a place (in its natural integrity) and its people. It must refer to a placed people.”7 Berry goes on to say, “It exists by proximity, by neighborhood; it knows face to face, and it trusts as it…” quote by Mark Votava
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““Wendell Berry’s definition: “If the word community is to mean or amount to anything, it must refer to a place (in its natural integrity) and its people. It must refer to a placed people.”7 Berry goes on to say, “It exists by proximity, by neighborhood; it knows face to face, and it trusts as it knows…””

Mark Votava

About This Quote

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

Community is defined by a shared physical space and the people within it, fostering trust through face‑to‑face interaction.

In simple terms: Community needs place and people together.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate local relationships.

Themes

community place trust social cohesion

Mood

reflective thoughtful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • neighborhood meetings
  • local projects
  • urban planning
  • community gardening

Key Concepts

social capital environmental integrity identity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we strengthen community in virtual spaces?
  • What practices build trust locally?
A Different Perspective

May overlook digital forms of community.

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