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.