Community
Community is one integral concept in the living together of people. A community describes people who have something in common, with its norms, religion, beliefs, values, resources or identity. Community has many facets. It describes where we live, how we socially interact, how we communicate amongst people and with the environment. It describes the quality of life of individuals within groups and has a very important political and economic dimension too. The Latin word ‘communitas’ not only has the meaning of ‘shared in common’ but also the meaning of ‘public spirit’. This meaning is especially dear to me. It describes the sense of community that is built within us. We have an inborn desire to strive towards the fulfilment of our needs, with the help of a commonly-shared emotional connection. Our emotional connection with others is the essence of community, and therefore a very important factor to determining a healthy life. We have a very important task ahead: to build communities, to build a public spirit. Scott Peck summarised this in the following way: “There can be no vulnerability without risk. There can be no community without vulnerability. There can be no peace, and ultimately no life, without community.” Thank you … and please join us and help us … building peace. [Professor Stefan Stoerk, Founding Director - Instruments of Peace]
Professor Stefan Stoerk, as Chairman of Instruments of Peace in 2011 launched the IoP’s first International Peace Conference and the International Peace Concert at the Convention Centre Dublin. The videos below document his message and invitation to engage in Peace, to all people of goodwill.
Professor Stefan Stoerk, as Chairman of Instruments of Peace in 2011 launched the IoP’s first International Peace Conference and the International Peace Concert at the Convention Centre Dublin. The videos below document his message and invitation to engage in Peace, to all people of goodwill.
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Professor Stefan Stoerk opening the first IoP International Peace Conference in Dublin attended by more than 500 people from 15 nationalities.
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Professor Stefan Stoerk performing a piano rendition of Chopin's Fantasie Impromptu, assisted by his wife, Dr. Dagmar Stoerk, during the IoP's Christmas Peace Concert in Dublin
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