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What’s Ubuntu?
Dr. Frank Lipman has described the African concept of ubuntu as the idea that, “what makes us human is the humanity we show each other,” and that humanity is “a web of family,” rather than a “mass of individuals.”
Basically: we’re all connected! Ubuntu is the very opposite of how we’re so often encouraged to think in the Western world - i.e. to look out for number one. This, combined with that fact that families aren’t always the natural support systems they ideally ought to be, can make it really easy for us to become isolated and feel disconnected from the world around us. We feel like we need to be independent, to be able to get by on our own, but ubuntu teaches the opposite - that meaningful connection with others is key to a happy, fulfilled life.
Ubuntu: the understanding that as humans we’re all connected, and that because of this we should treat all people with love, compassion and respect - as family - no matter who they are. It’s about meaningful connection with other people, and the idea that by looking after other people we’re actually looking after ourselves!
Why not make an effort to practice ubuntu in your day to day life this year - by being generous with your time, energy and love with everyone you meet!
For more on the importance of community, and how to join one, have a read of this.
Article by Sarah Illingworth. Who is Sarah? Find out here and meet the rest of the 24/7 Girl team too. And don’t forget to check out Sarah’s blog here!
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I have lived with deep sadnesses that I could have let destroy me. I have been bullied and abused by strangers and those closest to me. In my heart though I have always known love and kindness is the only way forward, not money or power. To read of Ubuntu and it’s origins delights me and fills me with hope. I believe it was Gandhi who said “Be the change you want to see in the world”. We can live in a peaceful world, where there’s a will there’s a way. Posted by Bobannie "on" 10/04 "at"09:45 AM |
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Very interesting and true concept! Posted by MelissaW "on" 07/10 "at"08:00 PM |
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My friend has this tattooed on her wrist to remind her everyday, I think is such a cool concept and I aim to live like this as much as i can Posted by emily.jean "on" 06/13 "at"12:59 PM |
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Wow, this is such a great concept and it’s so true! Here in the Western world we tend to have quite a selfish mind-set – usually looking out for ourselves. It’s easy to get caught up with 21st century ‘stuff’, while we’re climbing the ladder of success or spending up a storm, others are helpless and left out in the cold.
It’s true that giving is better than receiving. It can be hard at first to give up something of your own, but sharing and being compassionate does great things to your heart, mind and soul. It’s a great feeling helping those in need - whether it’s donating to a charity, giving your neighbour a hand with something or sending something a little thank-you note to let them know you appreciate them. There is so much information in the media today about the key to happiness. If we focused on Ubuntu and the idea of community a bit more we’d probably find that real happiness is not as elusive as we may have thought. A little more Ubuntu could help solve some pressing global issues, such as racial discrimination, gender inequality and poverty - over a billion people go to bed hungry every night. Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.” I’ll definitely try to practice more Ubuntu in my life and share the sense of community with everyone around me. Posted by ILR "on" 04/28 "at"12:33 PM |
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i’ve learnt about this before. Its always stuc with me . <3 ubuntu Posted by Lexilove "on" 03/03 "at"09:45 PM |
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This is so amazing! We all really should work on putting this idea into practice. Everyone has feelings so everyone should be treated with love and compassion. It should be all 247 girls aim to put this into practice and work on repecting and loving everyone, because if even a few people do it than more and more people will! This is really inspiring!! :D Posted by Hello1234 "on" 02/28 "at"04:57 PM |
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I love this!!! I think it’s important that everyone tries to support each other because we are all on this (sometimes) difficult experience called life together. We are all individuals, but we are all part of a whole; whether that be the whole of humanity, whole of living things, the whole of the world, the universe… And even (as some people believe)a part of some higher spirit. Also, by helping others, we are helping ourelves.Helping others make us feel so good, gives us social skills, empathy, compassion and other valuable skills and qualities.  Posted by 21991 "on" 02/11 "at"09:08 PM |
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That’s such a beautiful philosophy and encourages the right attitude towards people. It’s an idea that is reflected in many culture but not often put into practice (do onto others as they would to you etc). If only everyone was motivated to act on such a principle! Posted by Bayley "on" 02/09 "at"07:34 PM |
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It’s sad when people won’t talk to others just because they might dress or look different. I agree everybody should be nice and respect people no matter there ethnicity or colour. Posted by Danya "on" 02/09 "at"04:40 PM |
Best of the rest
