Barren Institutions Quotes by Jean Vanier

When we start helping the weak and the poor to rise everyone will begin to change. Those who have power and riches will start…

— Jean Vanier

...Individualistic material progress and the desire to gain prestige by coming out on top have taken over from the sense of fellowship, compassion and…

— Jean Vanier

To invite others to live with us is a sign that we aren't afraid, that we have a treasure of truth and of peace…

— Jean Vanier

People are longing to rediscover true community. We have had enough of loneliness, independence and competition.

— Jean Vanier

The person in misery does not need a look that judges and criticizes but a comforting presence that brings peace and hope and life…

— Jean Vanier

All of us have a secret desire to be seen as saints, heroes, martyrs. We are afraid to be children, to be ourselves.

— Jean Vanier

To be free is to put justice, truth and service to others over and above our personal gain or our need for recognition, power,…

— Jean Vanier

If we love (the poor) people, we want to identify with them and share with them.

— Jean Vanier

“Sympathies and antipathies . . . Human friendships can very quickly become a club of mediocrities, enclosed in mutual flattery and approval, preventing people…

— Jean Vanier

A community is only a community when the majority of its members are making the transition from 'the community for myself' to 'myself for…

— Jean Vanier

Each person is sacred, no matter what his or her culture, religion, handicap, or fragility. Each person is created in God’s image; each one…

— Jean Vanier

But let us not put our sights too high. We do not have to be saviours of the world! We are simply human beings,…

— Jean Vanier