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Pure community is a matter of no interest to any will; but…

“Pure community is a matter of no interest to any will; but a community which pursues a common good is of supreme interest to all wills; and what we have here said is that whatever the nature of that common good ... it must contain the development of individual powers, as a prior condition for all…” quote by William Ernest Hocking
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“Pure community is a matter of no interest to any will; but a community which pursues a common good is of supreme interest to all wills; and what we have here said is that whatever the nature of that common good ... it must contain the development of individual powers, as a prior condition for all other goods.”

William Ernest Hocking

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 focused on a shared higher purpose benefits everyone, but that purpose must first develop each individual's abilities.

In simple terms: Common good needs personal growth.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate personal strengths for collective benefit.

Themes

community common good individual development collective welfare

Mood

reflective inspirational

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • team projects
  • education programs
  • leadership training
  • civic initiatives

Key Concepts

philosophy ethics human potential

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we balance individual growth with shared goals?
  • What defines a truly common good?
A Different Perspective

If the common good is vague, personal development may be overlooked.

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