Becoming Human [Paperback]

Jean Vanier (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1999

In this provocative work, Jean Vanier shares his profoundly human vision for creating a common good that radically changes our communities, our relationships, and ourselves. He proposes that by opening ourselves to outsiders, those that we perceive as weak, different, or inferior, we can achieve pure personal and societal freedom.

Our society shuns weakness and glorifies strength. By embracing weakness, however, we learn new ways of living and discover greater compassion, trust and understanding. This spirit of inclusion has extraordinary implications for the we live our lives and build our communities.

--This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

Editorial Reviews

From the Author

Jean Vanier is the son of former Governor-General George Vanier, and founder of L'Arche, an international network of communities for people with intellectual disabilities. --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

From AudioFile

In these five lectures Vanier explains his vision for humanity, developed through his work in L'Arche, an international network of communities for the mentally disabled. Each account of an interaction with an individual from a community is touching. The lessons drawn from the humble and outcast are profound. They emphasize learning from weakness in the tradition of Christian mysticism and charity. Vanier's call to build a society integrating the weak and outcast is deeply democratic, and challenging. However, he focuses so completely on these ethical lessons that he does not explain either how the L'Arche communities succeed, or what this vision looks like in practical terms. G.T.B. © AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Paulist Press (May 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0809139006
• ISBN-13: 978-0809139002
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 4.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #184,541 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #11 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Nonfiction > Philosophy > Consciousness & Thought
  • #77 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Business & Investing > Careers > General
  • #90 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Health, Mind & Body > Self-Help > Success

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A thought provoking, deeply inspiring read., May 1, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Becoming Human (Paperback)

As a young man, Jean Vanier founded the Larch Society. The Larch Society is a network of communities around the world where severly mentally and physically handicapped adults live together with other caring adults in small groups. Through his experiences living with these severly handicapped individuals, Vanier has asked and answered the question, what is the essence of being human. In this eloquently written, thoughtful and thought provoking book, Jean Vanier discussed what he feels truly determines humanity , what makes us more than just talking, intelligent animals. Although Vanier writes from a Christian perspective, this book is for anyone, of any religious or spiritual perspective or belief.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Beautiful Insight, February 21, 2002

By 

"ikmag" (Cambridge, MA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Becoming Human (Paperback)

I came across this book after reading a footnote in one of Henri Nouwen's book. It first caught my attention in one of Neowen's passages. I was quite intrigued by Vanier's insight and remarks. Once reading Becoming Human I was again reminded of the sanctity of life. "We are simply human beings, enfolded in weakness and in hope, called together to change our world one heart at a time." (p.163)Vanier's insight into the human heart brings a chilling reminder that we are not a society of the strong and intelligent, that is just part of being human. Understanding our weaknesses and brokeness brings us to a fullness that God originaly intended for us.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For the Not Yet Perfect, February 28, 2001

By 

wvano "wvano" (Philadelphia, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Becoming Human (Paperback)

Originally a series of radio broadcasts on the CBC, this delightful little book is a refresher course in being human. In a deceptively simple, meditative style, Jean Vanier shares the wisdom he has gained from years of helping disabled people at the L'Arche communities he founded. Vanier gently explores human frailty and dignity, our need for individual affirmation and loving community, issues of freedom and forgiveness, and the nature of true maturity. Perhaps all disabled people, in the sense that includes everyone, can gain some insight and inspiration here.