Low-level interpersonal relationships are essentially transactional. Mere reciprocity, or cooperation, does not imply any good feeling toward others. People who do not otherwise get along can ... Read More about Mutuality – Reciprocity – Cooperation
Week 23: Individuality and Community
Living in Community and Fellowship
When people band together in community, and fellowship is present, the community becomes not merely a source of sustenance and protection but a source of love and joy. The greatness of a community ... Read More about Living in Community and Fellowship
Family
For good and ill, family is a central part of human relationships. In early childhood, it is formative. There's something unique about having a member of a family that really needs you in order to ... Read More about Family
Tradition
Tradition is a practice or set of practices within a society or culture. Its value is similar to that of ritual. It can contribute to stability but it can also lead to a loss of individual ... Read More about Tradition
Solitude
Solitude is a state of being alone, in a state of peace and contentment. Even love is reborn in solitude. For only in solitude are those who are alone able to reach those from whom they are ... Read More about Solitude
Society – Companionship – Togetherness
Humans thrive best in the society and companionship of others. This represents a step beyond mere reciprocity, which is essentially impersonal. The solution to alone-ness is not more solitude, but ... Read More about Society – Companionship – Togetherness
Individuality
Each of us has a sense of self, a sense of being an individual. My passionate interest in social justice and social responsibility has always stood in curious contrast to a marked lack of desire ... Read More about Individuality