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Community Quote by Wendell Berry

“In order to survive, a plurality of true communities would require not egalitarianism and tolerance but knowledge, an understanding of the necessity of local differences, and respect. Respect, I think, always implies imagination - the ability to see one another, across our inevitable differences…” quote by Wendell Berry
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““In order to survive, a plurality of true communities would require not egalitarianism and tolerance but knowledge, an understanding of the necessity of local differences, and respect. Respect, I think, always implies imagination - the ability to see one another, across our inevitable differences, as living souls. (pg. 181, Sex, Economy, Freedom, and Community)””

Wendell Berry

About This Quote

Source Book: Sex, Economy, Freedom, and Community, 1990

True communities thrive on knowledge, local differences, and imaginative respect, not just equality.

In simple terms: Respect requires understanding and imagination.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate local knowledge and empathy.

Themes

community respect knowledge

Mood

hopeful inspirational

Type

ethical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • neighborhood planning
  • cultural exchange
  • policy making

Key Concepts

social ecology pluralism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you practice imaginative respect?
  • What local differences do you overlook?
A Different Perspective

Imagination can be limited by bias.

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