Activity Quote by John Dewey
“Individuals are certainly interested, at times, in having their own way, and their own way may go contrary to the ways of others. But they are also interested, and chiefly interested upon the whole, in entering into the activities of others and taking part in conjoint and cooperative doings. Otherwise, no such thing as a community would be possible.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Democracy and Education, John Dewey, 1916
People desire personal autonomy yet also need to cooperate, which makes community possible.
In simple terms: Balancing self‑interest with teamwork builds community.
Key Takeaway
Value both independence and collaboration.
Themes
community
cooperation
individualism
social harmony
Mood
reflective
optimistic
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- team projects
- neighborhood groups
- online forums
- workplace committees
- civic volunteering
Key Concepts
democratic theory
social contract
interdependence
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance personal goals with group needs?
- When does cooperation become conformity?
A Different Perspective
Excessive focus on self can erode trust and collective action.
