Ubuntu is a worldview and philosophy that originated in Africa. The values and ideas behind Ubuntu have practical applications for our ever-expanding global community.
At its core, Ubuntu is about the essence of being human. It is about what it means to be human and how we best relate to our fellow humans. The central idea in Ubuntu is:
I AM WHO I AM BECAUSE OF WHO WE ALL ARE.
Ubuntu emphasizes that while we are individuals, we do not exist separately from each other. It is akin to the phrase, "no man is an island." We depend on one another, and when we recognize this as our natural state as humans, we can adjust how we interact with each other in a way that honors our connection. In this sense, Ubuntu can be used as a guide for how we interact with others—whether at work, at home, or in the world at large.
The cornerstones of Ubuntu and positive interaction are:
- Dignity
- Compassion
- Humaneness
- Respect
- Concern
- Tolerance
Ubuntu is about people working together for the betterment of all. In our modern world, marked by economic difficulties and future uncertainties, it can be challenging to embrace the idea that there is enough for everyone—that we can best help ourselves by also helping others. Yet, it is precisely in times like these that Ubuntu's principles can help connect us with others and build bridges to weather the storms of life.
Some of the best takeaways from Ubuntu include:
- Problem-solving is more valuable than placing blame
- Civilized dialogue helps us identify and solve problems
- Respecting each individual as important and valuable
- What is good for the group is often good for the individual
- Cooperation and collaboration uplift us as individuals, companies, and communities
- Mutual support and concern for others help move us forward
- There is no shortage of opportunity for development and growth for each of us
Ubuntu is about community, and in today's world, community means something much broader than it used to. True community accommodates all of us. Since Ubuntu speaks to how humans best work together, its ideas fit our communities and workplaces very well.
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