No Man Is An Island

by Dr. Marcia Davis-Dawkins

Over 400 years ago, John Donne penned the poem “No Man Is An Island” and several others, including Joan Baez and Dennis Brown, have followed up with songs of a similar title. In his poem, Dunne compared suffering to gold, arguing that we can never have enough of our neighbors’ pain: “No man hath affliction enough that is not matured and ripened by it.” In other words, he feels that no one suffers alone, and being aware of another’s pain only makes us stronger and more able to live. In a world where it seems as if people are selfish and think only of themselves, it is vitally important to remember:

Togetherness and Collaboration

The words emphasize that we should encourage unity, togetherness and collaboration. We need each other, even when we think we don’t. People can encourage us daily, especially when we surround ourselves with positive ones.

Many of us might think that we can do better by ourselves, and we think we don’t need families, friends or co-workers. The truth is, however, that we do! No one is truly self-sufficient. Humans cannot get along with their lives alone and succeed. We are all dependent on others and can’t thrive by being alone. We were created to be encouraging to each and this is supported in the Bible: Romans 12:4-5, ESV  For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. This verse is emphasizing that because we are not good at everything and no matter how young, old, our racial ethnicity, our economic status, or our residence – we need each other.

As educators, we are called to reach ALL students

As educators, we are called to reach ALL students – which means that we have to collaborate and encourage each other and help each other to succeed and when we do so, our students reap the benefits. Teaching can be rewarding, but also extremely demanding and stressful. Fostering camaraderie creates a positive culture where staff is enthusiastic, positive and supportive of each other and work together to accomplish the goals of the district. We can share ideas, or as often referred to ,“borrow ideas” from each other. No one is perfect, so we should share seeds of love gently. See the best in everyone – co-workers and children as well as students. We should be committed to our career, co-workers, students and do the best job that we can, regardless of what others may feel or think. Again, the Bible makes reference of togetherness in Romans 12:16, NLT Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!

Below are the lyrics of John Donne, Joan Baez and Dennis Brown whose poem and songs emphasize that we all need each other.

No Man Is An Island – John Donne

No man is an island entire of itself;

every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main;

if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as any manner of thy friends or of thine own were;

any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind. And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls;

it tolls for thee.

No Man Is an Island

Joan Baez

No man is an island,
No man stands alone,
Each man’s joy is joy to me,
Each man’s grief is my own.
We need one another,
So I will defend,
Each man as my brother,
Each man as my friend.
I saw the people gather,
I heard the music start,
The song that they were singing,
Is ringing in my heart.
No man is an island,
Way out in the blue,
We all look to the one above,
For our strength to renew.
When I help my brother,
Then I know that I,
Plant the seed of friendship,
That will never die.

Songwriters: Peter Schickele

No Man Is an Island lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

No Man Is An Island by Dennis Brown

No man is an island
No man stands alone
Each man has a brother
And remember
Each man’s dream has a road

Now we need one another ooh yes
And we all try to be friends
Each man has a brother
And a each man has a friend

You can live in this world all by yourself
In this world all by yourself
No nonoooo you can’t make it alone
And just as sure as you try to make it by yourself
You gonna wake up and find you gonna need somebody else

No man is an island
No man stands alone
Each man has a brother
And remember
Each man’s dream has a road