Human dignity Quote by John Paul II
““The term 'person' has been coined to signify that a man cannot be wholly contained within the concept 'individual member of the species', but that there is something more to him, a particular richness and perfection in the manner of his being, which can only be brought out by the use of the word 'person'.””
About This Quote
Source Encyclical: Redemptor Hominis, Pope John Paul II, 1979
The term “person” captures the unique dignity and fullness of human existence beyond mere biological classification.
In simple terms: “person” means human dignity beyond biology.
Key Takeaway
Recognize each individual's inherent worth.
Themes
philosophy
theology
human dignity
Mood
reflective
respectful
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- medical ethics
- human rights law
- education
- spiritual counseling
Key Concepts
anthropology
existentialism
ethical identity
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “person” mean in your daily life?
- How does this view affect your treatment of others?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on abstract concepts may overlook practical implications.
![“In this confusion we begin to see what lies behind John Paul II's startling warning about democracy "effectively mov[ing] towards a form of totalitarianism." It begins to happen at a practical level when we simultaneously hold that rights which arise from the dignity of the person are also a…” quote by George Cardinal Pell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/309/george-cardinal-pell-50980_democracy_in-this-confusion-we-begin-to-see-what-l_21998.jpg)
