Thomas Berry

and the Great Work

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Home 9 Publications 9 Poetry 9 It Takes a Universe
It Takes a Universe

By Thomas Berry

The child awakens to
a universe. The mind
of the child to
a world of wonder.
Imagination to a world
of beauty. Emotions
to a world of intimacy.
It takes a universe
to make a child both
in outer form and inner
spirit. It takes
a universe to educate
a child. A universe
to fulfill a child.
Each generation presides
over the meeting of these
two in the succeeding
generation.
So that the universe
is fulfilled in the child,
and the child is fulfilled
in the Universe.
While the stars ring out
in the heavens!

The Thomas Berry Foundation

The mission of the THOMAS BERRY FOUNDATION is to carry out the Great Work of Thomas in enhancing the flourishing of the Earth community. Created in 1998 by Thomas Berry, Mary Evelyn Tucker, John Grim, Martin Kaplan, and Thomas’ sister, Margaret Berry, the Foundation has promoted Thomas’ ideas. Learn more »

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Thomas Berry Foundation
29 Spoke Drive
Woodbridge, CT 06525

For further information, contact:
Mary Evelyn Tucker
[email protected]

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A dream of a better future.
The Thomas Berry Foundation gratefully accepts donations sent to the following address:

John Grim, TBF
29 Spoke Dr,
Woodbridge, CT 06525

©2025 The Thomas Berry Foundation

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