Abyss Quote by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
“Let him who cannot be alone beware of community... Let him who is not in community beware of being alone... Each by itself has profound perils and pitfalls. One who wants fellowship without solitude plunges into the void of words and feelings, and the one who seeks solitude without fellowship perishes in the abyss of vanity, self-infatuation and despair.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Ethics, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, 1947
Both extreme isolation and forced community have hidden dangers; balance is essential.
In simple terms: Alone or with others both have risks.
Key Takeaway
Find healthy balance.
Themes
solitude
community
balance
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- spiritual practice
- teamwork
- personal growth
Key Concepts
existential risk
social psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you maintain solitude healthily?
- What community supports you?
A Different Perspective
Balancing can be difficult in modern life.
![“[God says] Discipleship is not limited to what you can comprehend - it must transcend all comprehension. Plunge into the deep waters beyond your own comprehension, and I will help you to comprehend even as I do. Bewilderment is the true comprehension. Not to know where you are going is the true…” quote by Dietrich Bonhoeffer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1f9/dietrich-bonhoeffer-303_bewilderment_god-says-discipleship-is-not-limited-to_1947318.jpg)
