Loneliness is the fundamental force that urgees mystics to a deeper union with God... An experience of God quenches this thirst for the absolute but at the same time, paradoxiacally, whets it, because this is an experience that can never… — Jean Vanier Copy Share Image
When we start helping the weak and the poor to rise everyone will begin to change. Those who have power and riches will start to become more humble, and those who are rising up will leave behind their need to be victims, their need to be angry or depressed…This is the spirituality of life, that helps people to rise up… — Jean Vanier Copy Share
...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 Copy Share Image
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 Copy Share Image
People are longing to rediscover true community. We have had enough of loneliness, independence and competition. — Jean Vanier Copy Share Image
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 Copy Share Image
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 Copy Share Image
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 Copy Share Image
If we love (the poor) people, we want to identify with them and share with them. — Jean Vanier Copy Share Image
“Sympathies and antipathies . . . Human friendships can very quickly become a club of mediocrities, enclosed in mutual flattery and approval, preventing people from seeing their inner poverty and wounds. Friendship is then no longer a spur to grow . . . Scott Peck talks of pseudo-communities. These are where people pretend to live community. Everybody is polite and… — Jean Vanier Copy Share
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 Copy Share Image
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 Copy Share Image
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 Copy Share Image
