You’re probably asking, “What the heck is Gemeinschaftsgefuhl?” The translation from German is community feeling or social interest. The term was coined by Alfred Adler, a psychologist and a contemporary of Freud, as an indicator of mental health. According to Adlerian Theory if you have Gemeinschaftsgefuhl, this is a good indicator that you are mentally healthy.But what does this mean? Gemeinschaftsgefuhl means being aware that you are a part of a larger human community. That you are one being in a social world. A striving for the betterment of all mankind and not just for yourself. If you have it you are thoughtful and kind, not self-absorbed and only concerned with oneself. It is expressed through acts of kindness and mutual respect towards others. If we all practice some Gemeinschaftsgefuhl we may be able to make a difference in the world.
The good news is it isn’t too late to grab yourself some Gemeinschaftsgefuhl today!