Jean Vanier

Date of Birth: September 10, 1928

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: May 7, 2019

Biography

Jean Vanier was a Canadian philosopher, theologian, and humanitarian. He was born on September 10, 1928, in Geneva, Switzerland, and passed away on May 7, 2019. Vanier was the son of Georges Vanier, a former Governor General of Canada, and Pauline Archer Vanier. He initially served in the Royal Navy and the Royal Canadian Navy but later pursued a career in philosophy, earning a Ph.D. from the Institut Catholique de Paris. In 1964, Vanier founded L’Arche, an international federation of communities for people with developmental disabilities and those who assist them. His work focused on creating inclusive communities where individuals with and without intellectual disabilities live and work together. Vanier’s vision emphasized the importance of mutual relationships, dignity, and the inherent value of every person, regardless of their abilities. Throughout his life, Vanier received numerous awards and honors, including the Templeton Prize in 2015, recognizing his contributions to affirming life’s spiritual dimension. His writings and teachings continue to inspire people around the world, promoting a message of compassion, inclusion, and the transformative power of love.

5 Interesting Facts about Jean Vanier

1. Jean Vanier founded L’Arche in 1964, which now has over 150 communities in 38 countries.

2. He was awarded the Templeton Prize in 2015 for his exceptional contributions to affirming life’s spiritual dimension.

3. Vanier served in both the Royal Navy and the Royal Canadian Navy before pursuing a career in philosophy.

4. He authored numerous books, including “Becoming Human” and “Community And Growth,” focusing on themes of compassion, community, and human dignity.

5. Vanier was a recipient of the French Legion of Honour, one of France’s highest distinctions.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jean Vanier

1. “Growth begins when we begin to accept our own weakness.”

2. “Love doesn’t mean doing extraordinary or heroic things. It means knowing how to do ordinary things with tenderness.”

3. “Peace is the fruit of love, a love that is also justice. But to grow in love requires work—hard work. And it can bring pain because it implies loss—loss of the certitudes, comforts, and hurts that shelter and define us.”

4. “To love someone is to show them their beauty, their worth, and their importance.”

5. “Our society will become more human only when we understand that the weakest among us are a gift to help us become more loving.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Jean Vanier’s net worth was not publicly disclosed, but his life’s work was not focused on personal wealth. Instead, his legacy lies in the global impact of L’Arche communities and his contributions to philosophy and humanitarian work.