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Solidarity is not a feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of so many people, both near and far. On the contrary, it is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good; that is to say to the good of all and of each individual, because we are all really responsible for all
Pope John Paul Ii
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Solidarity involves a deep commitment to the welfare of others, not just a superficial emotional response.

This quote emphasizes that true solidarity transcends mere sympathy and requires a steadfast commitment to the well-being of the collective. It highlights the importance of taking responsibility for each other, asserting that our interconnectedness entails a duty to actively work towards the common good, rather than simply feeling sad about others' suffering.

Themes

SolidarityCompassionCommon GoodResponsibilityCommitment

In practice

Example use cases

During a community meeting about local issues, one might reference this quote to emphasize the need for collective action.

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