Celebrate Jean Vanier: Humanitarian and Founder of the Shared Living Philosophy
Sep 12, 2020, 11:33 PM“Every child, every person needs to know that they are a source of joy; every child, every person, needs to be celebrated. Only when all of our weaknesses are accepted as part of our humanity can our negative, broken self-images be transformed.” –Jean Vanier, Becoming Human
Have you ever wondered where Nonotuck’s philosophy of shared living comes from? Jean Vanier, an extraordinary philosopher, theologian, and humanitarian, paved the way for much of the work that we do. Jean Vanier passed away on May 7, 2019, at age 90.
Vanier’s work for people with disabilities began in 1963, when he visited an institution for men living with mental disabilities. Based on this experience, he invited two of the men to live with him in his own home. This became the foundation for his life sharing philosophy, which advocates for the authentic sharing of lives in a respectful relationship of mutual dependence and love.
Vanier believed that we are better and our communities are more full when we share our weaknesses and strengths together. His life sharing philosophy served as his motivation to start an international federation of communities called L’Arche. Countless more organizations and communities have been influenced by his work, including Nonotuck. Nonotuck transitioned to a shared living model of care for people with disabilities in 1984, after George Fleischner visited L’Arche community founded by Vanier.
Vanier was also a widely respected author and wrote over 30 books covering diverse topics such as success, disability, and religion.