Belonging Quote by Jean Vanier
““Community as belonging . . . In many groups of people and clubs of all sorts (political, sports, leisure, liberal professions, etc.) people find a sense of security. They are happy to find others like themselves. They receive comfort one from another, and they encourage one another in their ways. But frequently there is a certain elitism. They are convinced that they are better than others. And, of course, not everyone can join the club; people have to qualify. Frequently these groups give security and a sense of belonging but they do not encourage personal growth. Belonging in such groups is not for becoming. You can often tell the people who belong to a particular club, group or community by what they wear, especially on feast days, or by their hairstyle, their jargon or accent or by badges and colours of some sort. Grouping seems to need symbols which express the fact that they are one tribe, one family, one group.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Community and Belonging, Jean Vanier, 2005
Groups provide security and identity but can become exclusive, limiting personal growth and fostering elitism.
In simple terms: Groups give safety but may block growth.
Key Takeaway
Seek inclusive communities that nurture growth.
Themes
belonging
identity
exclusivity
growth
elitism
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- joining clubs
- team sports
- professional networks
- political parties
- cultural festivals
Key Concepts
social identity
group dynamics
psychology
sociology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you foster inclusion while maintaining group identity?
- What symbols promote unity over division?
A Different Perspective
Exclusivity can stifle diversity and innovation.
![“The people with the best sense of what is essential to a community, of what gives and maintains its spirit, are often doing very humble, manual tasks. It is often the poorest person - the one who has a handica[p, is] ill or old - who is the most prophetic. People who carry responsibility must be…” quote by Jean Vanier](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/08b/jean-vanier-3367_clarity_the-people-with-the-best-sense-of-what-i_303228.jpg)
