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A proper community, we should remember also, is a…

“A proper community, we should remember also, is a commonwealth: a place, a resource, an economy. It answers the needs, practical as well as social and spiritual, of its members - among them the need to need one another. The answer to the present alignment of political power with wealth is the…” quote by Wendell Berry
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“A proper community, we should remember also, is a commonwealth: a place, a resource, an economy. It answers the needs, practical as well as social and spiritual, of its members - among them the need to need one another. The answer to the present alignment of political power with wealth is the restoration of the identity of community and economy. (pg. 63, "Racism and the Economy")”

Wendell Berry

About This Quote

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

A community functions as a shared resource and economy, meeting practical, social, and spiritual needs, and restoring its identity counters wealth‑driven power.

In simple terms: Community is a shared economy meeting many needs.

Key Takeaway

Strengthen local ties and equitable resource sharing.

Themes

community economics social justice spirituality

Mood

hopeful reflective

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • urban planning
  • neighborhood initiatives
  • faith groups
  • policy reform

Key Concepts

commonwealth interdependence resource stewardship

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we measure a community’s health?
  • What policies best restore communal identity?
A Different Perspective

May be idealistic without concrete mechanisms.

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