The 2015 Templeton Prize Laureate, Jean Vanier, speaks on the Big Question: “What does it mean to be fully human?” Ideas covered include – the importance of human community, accepting our personal fragility, learning to balance aspects of the Heart and the Head, the need for love to give consistency to our lives, the importance of early love, and nurturing to children for their later development. Many of the problems we see today are a result of not realizing the inherent importance of every person. To become fully human is to let down the barriers, to open up and discover that every person is beautiful.
Jean Vanier Templeton Prize Child Nurturing Human Development Peace
March 11, 2015 from the Templeton Prize 4.5 minutes
Jean Vanier CC GOQ (September 10, 1928 – May 7, 2019) was a Canadian Catholic philosopher, theologian, and humanitarian. In 1964, he founded L’Arche, an international federation of communities spread over 37 countries,[1] for people with developmental disabilities and those who assist them. Subsequently, in 1971, he co-founded Faith and Lightwith Marie-Hélène Mathieu, which also works for people with developmental disabilities, their families, and friends in over 80 countries. He continued to live as a member of the original L’Arche community in Trosly-Breuil, France, until his death.[2]
Over the years he wrote 30 books on religion, disability, normality, success, and tolerance.[3] Among the honours he received were the Companion of the Order of Canada (1986),[4] Grand Officer of the National Order of Quebec (1992),[5]French Legion of Honour (2003), Community of Christ International Peace Award (2003), the Pacem in Terris Peace and Freedom Award (2013), and the Templeton Prize (2015).
