Reweaving Spheres: Towards an Ultimate Meaning of Practice

It is often assumed that by definition the nonreligious do not have a sense of ultimate meaning. Conversely, this chapter shows that community organisers derive ultimate meaning from their struggle against the dehumanising impact of capitalism. Ultimate meaning is radically present in their lives—it’s just that it is not expressed in metaphysical terms. Rather, as one interlocutor put it, “I think these things come about through practice”. By framing them in these superlative terms, I suggest that these practices are indispensable components of my interlocutors’ identity. This has two consequences for those aiming to mobilise world repairing work: first, rather than only seeking a shared set of beliefs, values and issues, in some cases it may prove worthwhile to draw on a shared practice; and second, asking those on the frontline to compromise their practices in the interests of some greater “end” may lead to disillusionment and disaffection.