Our humanity comes to its fullest bloom in giving. We become beautiful people when we give whatever we can give: a smile, a handshake, a kiss, an embrace, a word of love, a present, a part of our life…all of our life.
HENRI NOUWEN
HENRI NOUWEN
Henri Nouwen on humanity
Henri Nouwen68 quotes“Our humanity comes to its fullest bloom in giving. We become beautiful people when we give whatever we can give: a smile, a handshake, a kiss, an embrace, a word of love, a present, a part of our life…all of our life.”
More from Henri Nouwen
The spiritual life is a life beyond moods. It is a life in which we choose joy and do not allow ourselves to become victims of passing feelings of happiness or depression.
Henri NouwenHenri Nouwen Forgiveness changes the way we remember.
Henri NouwenHenri Nouwen Listening is a form of spiritual hospitality by which you invite strangers to become friends, to get to know their inner selves more fully, and even to dare to be silent with you.
Henri NouwenHenri Nouwen I trust in you, Lord, but keep helping me in my moments of distrust and doubt.
Henri NouwenHenri Nouwen Waiting time is not wasting time. Waiting patiently in expectation is the foundation of the spiritual life.
Henri NouwenHenri Nouwen My whole life I have been complaining that my work was constantly interrupted, until I discovered that my interruptions were my work.
Henri NouwenHenri Nouwen When we are crushed like grapes, we cannot think of the wine we will become.
Henri NouwenHenri Nouwen Every time I take a step in the direction of generosity, I know I am moving from fear to love.
Henri NouwenHenri Nouwen God, help me to see others not as enemies or as ungodly but rather as thirsty people. And give me the courage and compassion to offer your Living Water, which alone quenches deep thirst.
Henri NouwenHenri Nouwen Dare to love and to be a real friend. The love you give and receive is a reality that will lead you closer and closer to God as well as those whom God has given you to love.
Henri NouwenHenri Nouwen Without solitude it is virtually impossible to live a spiritual life. We do not take the spiritual life seriously if we do not set aside some time to be with God and listen to him.
Henri NouwenHenri Nouwen Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.
Henri NouwenHenri Nouwen This brief lifetime is my opportunity to receive love, deepen love, grow in love, and give love.
Henri NouwenHenri Nouwen I am the prodigal son every time I search for unconditional love where it cannot be found.
Henri NouwenHenri Nouwen Trust that the treasure we look for is hidden in the ground on which we stand.
Henri NouwenHenri Nouwen It is in solitude that we discover that being is more important than having and that we are worth more than the results of our efforts. In solitude we discover that our life is not a possession to be defended but a gift to be shared.
Henri NouwenHenri Nouwen
Original quotes
From our community writers
Don’t compare her to sunshine and roses when she’s clearly orchids and moonlight.
Melody LeeMelody Lee Oh moonlight, continue to shine on me. As you light up the sky, maybe some peace will come to me.
ShamaShama Stop counting the reasons why they should be loved and start counting the many reasons why you are the one who is worth loving.
Ayaka HaseAyaka Hase Sure, there are oceans and seas and magnificent things – but none of them are you.
L.T. PhoenixL.T. Phoenix I wish you the wildest of dreams.
Kate WestKate West The way you look at me, The way you make me feel whole, The way you make me feel safe, thats poetry to me.
Barbara GianquittoBarbara Gianquitto You cannot leave and have me too I cannot exist in two places at once-when you ask if we can still be friends.
Rupi KaurRupi Kaur Live to be happy not to impress.
Hayley EvansHayley Evans
Meet the writers
More on humanity
We are overcome by anguish at this illogical moment of humanity.
Che GuevaraChe Guevara The whole aspect of cinema and film festivals should be a moment to come together and celebrate art and humanity. It would be a shame if there was such a divide.
Keanu ReevesKeanu Reeves Forgiveness and compassion are always linked: how do we hold people accountable for wrongdoing and yet at the same time remain in touch with their humanity enough to believe in their capacity to be transformed?
Bell HooksBell Hooks A really great man is known by three signs: generosity in the design, humanity in the execution, moderation in success.
Otto von BismarckOtto von Bismarck He who understands humanity seeks solitude.
Imam AliImam Ali So long as we live among men, let us cherish humanity.
Andre GideAndre Gide Liberty, Humanity, Justice, Equality.
Susan B. AnthonySusan B. Anthony If I have advocated the cause of the Negro, it is not because I am a Negro, but because I am a man.
Frederick DouglassFrederick Douglass