Ubuntu is an old African philosophy which in a nutshell means, “I am what I am because of who we all are” or is also loosely translated as, “You are, therefore I am.”
Archbishop Desmond Tutu spot on and explained the topic of Ubuntu in 2008 as:
“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, reminds you that 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.”
With this perspective many often ask, but Jim what about my needs, my center? And as I have written before, yes we all must tend to our own gardens first, but we all should have a small patch planted for others and grow it as we grow our own.
We have to ask yourself: When you buy the ultimate home, when you have stored up financial security and climbed the ladder of success to the highest rung you can possibly climb it, and the thrill wears off–and it will wear off–then what?
It will never be enough.
Our greatest memories, our biggest rewards in this life often are with and involve others. From strangers to family, think back on your fond moments, your times of illumination and joy. You may discover you were not alone all those times and so remember today and every day to be a bit more “Ubuntu.”
Peace and Love, Jim
