Barriers Quote by Rachel Naomi Remen
“Ours is not a culture that respects the sick, the old or the vulnerable. We strive for independence, competence, and mastery. In embracing such 'frontier' values, we may become intolerant of human wholeness, contemptuous of anything in ourselves, and in others, that has needs or is capable of suffering. The denial of a vulnerability is the ultimate barrier to compassion.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Kitchen Table Wisdom, 2015
Society that values only independence and mastery neglects compassion for the vulnerable, creating emotional barriers.
In simple terms: Neglecting vulnerability blocks compassion.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate empathy alongside competence.
Themes
compassion
vulnerability
societal values
humanity
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- healthcare
- elder care
- social policy
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
ethics
psychology
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance competence with caring?
- What practices nurture vulnerability?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on self‑reliance can erode community support.
