Happiness Quote by John D. Zizioulas
““Without the concept of communion it would not be possible to speak of being. Substance has no ontological content, no true being, apart from communion. In this way, communion becomes an ontological concept. Nothing in existence is conceivable in itself, as an individual. In this manner, it is communion which makes things 'be'. But this communion is not a relationship understood for its own sake. Just like 'substance,' 'communion' does not exist by itself. This thesis introduces a concept of incalculable importance. For it means that the ultimate ontological category which makes something really *be*, is neither an impersonal and incommunicable 'substance,' nor a structure of communion existing by itself or imposed by necessity, but rather the *person*. True being comes only from the free person, from the person who loves freely - that is, who freely affirms his being, his identity, by means of an event of communion with other persons.””
About This Quote
Source The: The Person and the Community, 1995
True existence is rooted in relational communion, not in isolated substance; the person, through loving communion, actualizes being.
In simple terms: Being comes from relational love, not isolated substance.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate loving relationships to realize true being.
Themes
ontology
community
personhood
Mood
contemplative
inspirational
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- spiritual formation
- ethical leadership
- community building
Key Concepts
relational ontology
theology of communion
Questions to Reflect On
- What does it mean to love freely?
- How does communion shape identity?
A Different Perspective
Focusing solely on individuality neglects relational truth.
![“In the worldly life, due to maadakta (intoxication of the ego of ‘I am Chandubhai’), one has completely lost awareness of everything about one’s self. Everything in the worldly life is nothing but intoxication. The food is intoxicating, the senses are intoxicating. [Therefore] Go to the one, who…” quote by Dada Bhagwan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2b3/dada-bhagwan-31_absolute_in-the-worldly-life-due-to-maadakta-into_3662.jpg)
