Most Helpful Customer Reviews
22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Humbling but extremely enlightening, 16 Jun 2001
By A Customer
This is an extraordinarily interesting and humbling book. Although I felt somewhat uncomfortable about his description of people with learning disabilities as `damaged' or `broken' I think perhaps he doesn't mean this in the way that at first I assumed. The message of the book is that such people have in reality far more to offer `normal' people spiritually than we ever have to offer them, but that one has to approach the idea and reality of working with them with true humility. His book has shifted my ideas, and I feel in debt to him. I think anyone who works with, in particular, nonverbal people with severe disabilities should read it. Quite apart from anything else he begins to explain why such people seem to have such a certain and pure spirituality. I think I will have to reread it - his thoughts certainly resonate in one's memory.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent book, 26 Sep 2011
I loved this book. It is a challenging look at human potential and as a taster for a reflective practice course was invaluable.
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37 of 38 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A thought provoking, deeply inspiring read., 1 May 2000
By A Customer - Published on Amazon.com
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, 21 Feb 2002
By "ikmag" - Published on Amazon.com
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, 28 Feb 2001
By wvano "wvano" - Published on Amazon.com
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.
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