Very young, I knew Pierre, Jacques, Yves and Gilles when they aroused respect for their abilities and their presence of mind. However, each subsequently lived through long years of wandering. They have been seen wandering the streets and washing up in bars or cafes. Their potential seemed to have turned against them. Economic crises, political decisions, corporatism or discrimination could differently be invoked as incriminating factors. Nevertheless, the feeling of not having a place characterized them all.
Focused on competition, our society is conducive to the development of feelings of exclusion. Moreover, from an early age, this influence can be transmitted through the family. The various types of violence experienced by some parents increase the risk of physical or verbal aggression, excessive control, neglect or simply a lack of attention and respect for the feelings of children.
Living with frequent lack of consideration, the latter become adults ill-equipped for integration into a world that is too often implacable. Lurking in the shadows or visible in full light, a fear makes them doubt their potential contributions to the economy, to society or to human relations. They consequently develop attitudes of abusive control, avoidance of challenges, disinvestment in their activities or pure and simple abandonment.
On the paths of their lives, these people find themselves without a reliable compass. They may be in the right place without knowing it, unable to choose at a crossroads or intimidated by their desires. They experience an internal homelessness that can, under the influence of systemic factors, become economic, social and ultimately physical.
shadow light
Conditioned by what Max Weber called “the spirit of capitalism”, we have a strong tendency to negate the part of homelessness in us. It is easier to see the integrated on one side and the maladjusted on the other. With this lack of nuance, the loss of humanity is enormous. The critical spirit stiffens; the loss of self-awareness increases; human misery is spreading. The need then arises for psychotherapy, the promotion of benevolence at work or food drives in the media.
Consequence of the denial of the place of the other, homelessness requires a constant practice of respect. First, regardless of status, whether individual, political or social, it is important to always act with civility. Then, there is no need to agree to give consideration to the protester, the “rejected” candidate or the homeless. Acting with civility and consideration is within everyone’s reach, everywhere.
The gains of a respectful attitude are significant. In the other, the basic needs to be seen, heard and respected are met. At home, the chances are great to feel at the heart of life. In addition, it is likely that the moments of openness to otherness make it possible to learn about oneself. These unusual encounters have the potential to accommodate interesting changes. In short, after a certain time of culture of respect, it may happen that one day, your organization or yourself will be qualified as benevolent.