As we move closer to understanding the interconnectedness and value of all life, we engage in actions to honor, support and preserve the dignity and respect of ourselves and others.
Hillel calls attention to having voice and advocacy for both: "If I am not for myself, who will be for me. And, if I am only for myself, what am I?" Eric Fromm echoes this sentiment in The Art of Loving and suggests it's a "fallacy" to believe that self-love is "selfish" and/or that self-love and love of others are "mutually exclusive:,": "If it is a virtue to love my neighbor as a human being, it must be a virtue-and not a vice-to love myself, since I am a human being too. There is no concept to man in which I myself am not included." (Fromm, 1956, p. 49).
Often, there's a need for wisdom in knowing how and when to balance different demands and actions, which may appear in contradiction to stated ideals and values.. I've found in some communities and groups I engage in, the diversity of voices assist in finding direction for helpful actions, both personally and in relation to social justice issues. Thus, finding "community" does not only support well-being through a sense of belonging, it is another way to foster and generate deeper understandings of life, which may be put into action for the greater good.
Hillel calls attention to having voice and advocacy for both: "If I am not for myself, who will be for me. And, if I am only for myself, what am I?" Eric Fromm echoes this sentiment in The Art of Loving and suggests it's a "fallacy" to believe that self-love is "selfish" and/or that self-love and love of others are "mutually exclusive:,": "If it is a virtue to love my neighbor as a human being, it must be a virtue-and not a vice-to love myself, since I am a human being too. There is no concept to man in which I myself am not included." (Fromm, 1956, p. 49).
Often, there's a need for wisdom in knowing how and when to balance different demands and actions, which may appear in contradiction to stated ideals and values.. I've found in some communities and groups I engage in, the diversity of voices assist in finding direction for helpful actions, both personally and in relation to social justice issues. Thus, finding "community" does not only support well-being through a sense of belonging, it is another way to foster and generate deeper understandings of life, which may be put into action for the greater good.
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