Full Idea
The essence of man is contained only in the community and unity of man and man; it is a unity, however, which rests only on the reality of the distinction between I and thou.
Gist of Idea
The essence of man is in community, but with distinct individuals
Source
Ludwig Feuerbach (Principles of Philosophy of the Future [1843], §59)
Book Reference
Feuerbach,Ludwig: 'Principles of the Philosophy of the Future', ed/tr. Vogel,M [Hackett 1986], p.71
A Reaction
In English provincial suburbs (where I live) it is astonishing how little interest in and need for their neighbours people seem to have. People seem to survive without community. Most of us, though, think full human happiness needs community.