Ubuntu

Ubuntu is an African philosophy. If you want to learn more about it Click Here. The word 'Ubuntu' originates from one of the Bantu dialects of Africa, and is pronounced as uu-Boon-too. The ubuntu philosophy teaches us that about ourselves and our relationships with each other and the world. There is a common connection between all human beings and we can our own human qualities through this bond. Recognizing each other’s humanity and existence, we can confirm our own humanity. I’m starting to like this “Ubuntu” concept because it’s a way for people to connect; a way for people to respect and love each other. It seems that the African people who believe in ubuntu have already figured out a way to empathize with each other. By setting differences aside and recognizing others as human as similar to you we can grow stronger and closer as a species. In Jeremy Rifkin's RSA Animate "The Empathic Civilization" he talks about humanity as a whole and our ability to empathize and connect with each other. If you haven't watched this great Animate Video yet, Click Here. Naturally, these two things can be connected. In Jeremey Rifkin's Animate I found it interesting when he discussed the "mirror neurons" that are found in humans. We have the ability to feel what others are feeling; the ability to empathize and to connect with each other. The Ubuntu philosophy talks about how all people are connected physically to the earth and to each other. The common theme is that we have so much in common as a species. I thought deeply about Rifkin's point concerning the extension of empathy to the entire human race. Obviously the whole world won't be able to adapt Ubuntu. It's just not going to happen. There will always be people who oppose things. But if all cultures, religions, and groups of people can adapt their own "Ubuntu" philosophy then that's something special. If we can do that we can learn to love and respect each other. We can spread empathy to the entire human race. I think Ubuntu connects to a lot of what I want to learn in this unit. I want to gain more knowledge about what humans want and need. I want to know about when and how people can come together as a unified people. With the Ubuntu philosophy, I feel like some of these questions can begin to be answered