Loneliness is painful; solitude is peaceful. Loneliness makes us cling to others in desperation; solitude allows us to respect others in their uniqueness and create community.

Henri Nouwen (1932–1996), Priester und Autor

Source: Werk nicht benannt (über goodreads, Wortlaut nicht gegengeprüft)

Topics: Loneliness & Abandonment, Relationships & Family, Peace & Rest

Occasions: For Reflection

Henri Nouwen

Henri Nouwen (1932–1996) war ein niederländischer katholischer Priester, Theologe und geistlicher Schriftsteller, der nach akademischer Lehrtätigkeit in den USA seine letzten Lebensjahre in einer L’Arche-Gemeinschaft in Kanada verbrachte. Er steht für eine Spiritualität der Verwundbarkeit, die unbedingte Annahme des Menschen durch Gott und den bewussten Dienst an Schwachen jenseits von Erfolgsstreben. Bibellesern eröffnet er einen einfühlsamen Zugang zu biblischen Gleichnissen und Themen, indem er theologische Tiefe mit psychologischem Feingefühl und dem ehrlichen Umgang mit eigenen Zweifeln verbindet.

All quotes by Henri Nouwen (575)

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C.S. Lewis

The worst hunger can be the hunger to be noticed and loved.

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When no one listens to me anymore, God still listens to me.

Pope Benedict XVI

I would rather walk with a friend in the dark, than alone in the light.

Helen Keller

We bereaved are not alone. We belong to the largest company in all the world--the company of those who have known suffering.

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For I have known them all already, known them all— Have known the evenings, mornings, afternoons, I have measured out my life with coffee spoons.

T.S. Eliot

Language has created the word “loneliness” to express the pain of being alone. And it has created the word “solitude” to express the glory of being alone.

Paul Tillich

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