The Nigerian writer, Chris Abani describes the African philosophical concept of Ubuntu as, “…the only way for me to be human is for you to reflect my humanity back at me.”
In 2008, Desmond Tutu said –
One of the sayings in our country is Ubuntu – the essence of being human. Ubuntu speaks particularly about the fact that you can’t exist as a human being in isolation. It speaks about our interconnectedness. You can’t be human all by yourself, and when you have this quality – Ubuntu – you are known for your generosity.We think of ourselves far too frequently as just individuals, separated from one another, whereas you are connected and what you do affects the whole World. When you do well, it spreads out; it is for the whole of humanity.
Butterfly Effects for Change – Part 8
“What I’ve come to learn is that the world is never saved in grand Messianic gestures but in the simple accumulation of gentle, soft – almost invisible – acts of compassion – everyday acts of compassion.” (Chris Abani)[ted id=1042]
Related articles
- Poetry Monday: “The New Religion” by Chris Abani (ourmotherskeeper.com)
Wonderful TED talk! Thanks!
As we move from a ego-orientation to a more spiritual awareness and awakening, we realize that we are enough . . . as we are.
We stop striving to be who THEY want us to be and let ourselves be seen.
We realize that our perfection lies in our imperfection.
We accept the “what is” as it is.
We stop analyzing others to find their “fault lines” and realize that who they are is not our issue to tackle.
When we know who WE are . . . we know how to live. ~ Goethe
Brilliant talk, thank you so much! I am enough . . .
It really is a great talk – glad you enjoyed it!