Activity Quote by John Dewey
“The parts of a machine work with a maximum of cooperativeness for a common result, but they do not form a community. If, however, they were all cognizant of the common end and all interested in it so that they regulated their specific activity in view of it, then they would form a community. But this would involve communication. Each would have to know what the other was about and would have to have some way of keeping the other informed as to his own purpose and progress.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Experience and Nature by John Dewey, 1925
Machines cooperate efficiently but lack community because they don’t share goals or communicate; true community requires mutual awareness and shared purpose.
In simple terms: Machines work together without being a community; community needs shared goals and communication.
Key Takeaway
Foster communication and shared purpose in groups.
Themes
community
cooperation
communication
Mood
inspirational
thoughtful
Type
motivational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- team projects
- organizational management
- collaborative technology
Key Concepts
interdependence
shared intent
social cohesion
Questions to Reflect On
- What practices build genuine community beyond functional cooperation?
- How can organizations embed shared purpose into daily work?
A Different Perspective
Assuming cooperation alone creates community ignores the need for relational understanding.
