I am reading an essay from Robert Bellah called, "Community, Commitment, and Individuality" and he mentions the phrase "community of memory and hope". What does he mean by this? Explaining it in simpler words would be very helpful! :)
Thanks!!!!!!
<<Again, many people who talk like this don't act like it. A successful California lawyer who has sustained a long marriage and was accustomed to explain all his action in cost-benefit terms was finally pressed in our interview to see that no interest maximizing calculus could really account for what was in those terms an irrational commitment. In other words, no marriage that lasts thirty years is that exciting all the time. And so at last he affirmed that his happiness with his wife comes from "proceeding through all of these stages together. It makes life meaningful and gives me the opportunity to share with somebody, have an anchor, if you will, and understand where I am. That, for me, is a real relationship." Here he is groping inadequately but groping, I think clearly, for words that would express the sense that his marriage is a genuine community of memory and hope-a context that actually helps him define who he is, part of his identity, and not merely a forum in which an empty self maximizes its satisfactions.>>
I seems he defined it himself in that paragraph. Reread what I put in bold.
Paraphrase it this way" a genuine grouping of memories, and hope for the future"
Thank you soo much. It was very useful!!
In order to understand what Robert Bellah means by "community of memory and hope," let's break it down into simpler terms.
The phrase "community of memory" refers to a group of people who share a collective memory or a common understanding of their shared past. This shared memory helps create a sense of belonging and continuity within the community. It includes both the historical events and personal experiences that the community members remember and cherish. By having a shared memory, the community members can connect with one another and feel a sense of shared identity.
On the other hand, "community of hope" refers to a group of people who come together with a shared vision of a better future. This vision is rooted in their hopes, aspirations, and dreams for themselves and the community as a whole. This collective hope gives the community members a sense of purpose and motivation to work towards making that vision a reality. It helps them find common ground and work together towards a common goal.
When Bellah combines these two phrases, "community of memory and hope," he highlights the importance of both remembering and cherishing the past while also envisioning a brighter future together. This idea suggests that a community can be strengthened and united when its members share a common understanding of their history, and simultaneously work towards a shared vision of a better future.
I hope this explanation helps you grasp the concept! Let me know if there's anything else I can assist you with.