But it has, in addition, an even more precious quality - a

In the grand tapestry of existence, there are few treasures as profound as the awareness of the human spirit, intelligence, and our social nature. Norman McLaren’s words, “But it has, in addition, an even more precious quality—a consciousness of the human intelligence, the human spirit, and that man is a social creature,” speak to the very core of what it means to be human. McLaren reminds us that while our intellectual capacity is a gift, it is our connection to one another—our ability to create, share, and collaborate—that imbues life with its greatest meaning. Human intelligence and spirit are not solitary forces; they are meant to be shared, tested, and strengthened in community.

The ancient Greeks, in their pursuit of wisdom and understanding, held that reason and spirit were the cornerstones of a fulfilled life. In the dialogues of Plato, Socrates spoke of the soul and its connection to truth, arguing that true knowledge could only be reached through dialogue and social interaction. He believed that wisdom was a communal pursuit—only by sharing ideas and challenging one another could the human spirit reach its full potential. In this way, McLaren's words echo the ancient understanding that the human intelligence cannot fully thrive in isolation. It is only through our engagement with others that we grow, evolve, and truly understand ourselves.

Consider the story of Aristotle, who taught that humans are inherently social beings—creatures not meant to live alone but to flourish in relationships and communities. He wrote extensively on the importance of friendship, of shared goals, and of collective wisdom. In his mind, a person who lives outside of society is not fully human. Aristotle's view resonates with McLaren’s quote: the most precious quality of the human experience is the awareness of our interconnectedness. To be fully human is to recognize that our intelligence is shaped by our relationships and our spirits nourished by community.

The story of Mahatma Gandhi, who led India to independence, offers another powerful example of this principle. Gandhi was not just a political leader, but a spiritual force, a man whose intelligence was deeply intertwined with the social and spiritual dimensions of life. His vision for India was rooted not just in the idea of political freedom but in the concept of unity and social responsibility. Gandhi believed that individual intelligence must serve the greater good of the community, and that true progress was only possible when the spirit of cooperation and non-violence was embraced by all. His leadership was a living testament to McLaren’s insight that the human spirit thrives when connected to others in the pursuit of a common goal.

McLaren’s quote invites us to reflect on the nature of community—that to live fully is to be aware of the intelligence and spirit of those around us. It is not enough to cultivate one’s own mind or soul in isolation; the fullness of our potential is realized only in the context of relationship. This truth can be seen in the work of artists throughout history, from Leonardo da Vinci to Pablo Picasso, whose greatest creations were often borne from collaborations and shared visions. The individual genius, though significant, is always enriched when it is shared and tested in the social sphere. The human mind and spirit are sharpened, elevated, and illuminated by the diversity of thought and experience that exists within community.

The lesson here is profound: human intelligence is not an isolated pursuit, but a shared journey. The spirit grows through connection and collaboration. We are at our most powerful when we recognize that our dreams, our goals, and our very identities are intertwined with the lives and aspirations of others. McLaren teaches us that the greatest achievement is not in solitary triumphs, but in the shared victories of humanity. It is in the growth of our collective spirit and intellect that we find the deepest fulfillment.

In your own life, consider how you can cultivate your intelligence and spirit not only through personal development but by engaging with others. Seek out relationships and communities that challenge you to grow, that push you to reach for higher ideals, and that remind you of the beauty and strength found in human connection. The more you give of your mind and spirit to those around you, the more you will find that your own understanding expands, and your own heart becomes fuller. Like Socrates, like Gandhi, and like the countless others who have walked this earth before you, embrace the truth that we are not meant to live in isolation. To be fully human is to be aware of the boundless potential we hold when we work together and create a better world.