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Community Quote by Dorothy Day

“A community is not a place where 'desert fathers' are testing themselves - more and more, harder and harder, each on his own. A community is what Saint Paul told us - our differences granted respect by one another, but those differences are not allowed to turn us into loners. You must know when to…” quote by Dorothy Day
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““A community is not a place where 'desert fathers' are testing themselves - more and more, harder and harder, each on his own. A community is what Saint Paul told us - our differences granted respect by one another, but those differences are not allowed to turn us into loners. You must know when to find your own, quiet moment of solitude. But you must know when to open the door to go with others, and you must know how to open the door. There's not point in opening the door with bitterness and resentment in your heart.””

Dorothy Day

About This Quote

Source Book: The Joy of the Gospel, Dorothy Day, 1975

Community thrives when individuals balance solitude with open, respectful engagement, avoiding bitterness.

In simple terms: Balance solitude and openness in community.

Key Takeaway

Seek respectful connection, not resentment.

Themes

community solitude respect connection balance

Mood

thoughtful hopeful reflective

Type

advice philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal reflection
  • group projects
  • conflict resolution
  • team building

Key Concepts

social cohesion interpersonal dynamics emotional intelligence

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you recognize when to seek solitude?
  • When is it appropriate to engage with others?
A Different Perspective

Opening doors with resentment harms trust and collaboration.

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