What we can learn from the African philosophy of Ubuntu - BBC REEL

The African philosophy of Ubuntu has its roots in the Nguni word for being human. The concept emphasises the significance of community and teaches that 'a person is a person through others'.

Many view the philosophy as a counterweight to a culture of individualism.

Video by Brits Film Productions
Executive producer: Camelia Sadeghzadeh

#bbcreel #bbc #bbcnews

[lorrainemaila]

I'm South African, and I have been living abroad from more than 6 months. I use to take this Ubuntu philosophy for granted until I had to live in its absence. Now I value it more. God bless Africa!.

[TheMightyKingzuru]

"Umuntu Ngumuntu Ngabantu" - which means a person is person because of other people. Even if you are a wealthy powerful person, without other people you wouldn't know that you are a person. That's why we need each other and to treat each other like humans despite economic, social, racial status. That's Ubuntu.

[J..M.]

Individuality, not individualism -- I love that.

[GiggleGlimpses-ex]

I wrote my thesis on Ubuntu philosophy and I can say that since I started working on this philosophy, it has personally changed my life

[henk-]

I am because we are. Absolutely beautiful. We can only develop a sense of individuality because we are part of a larger community on which we are interdependent. When you succeed in life, you owe much to the community you grew up and live in, and therefore you should give back to the community, and when you fail, you have the community to fall back on. I wish we could live by these principles on a global level.

[kyraocity]

0:00 intro to philosophy
1:18 explained and unpacked
3:14 Ubuntu vs individualism
4:00 ego vs community and world
4:40 indigenous knowledge and reinvention of society and mutuality. End at 5:33

[Kiriza]

In some languages in Uganda, we call it Obuntu. A humanbeing is called Omuntu.
It means treating others as human in speech as well as respecting each other´s basic needs as humans. For instance, in my culture, I cannot eat without offering my neighbour to come and eat with me. The use of derogatory speech and words are not allowed.

The rich (and their friends) do not mistreat or oppress the poor in speech, behaviour or by withholding help in times of need.
The vunerable like the sick, the physically impaired or the lonely like old people are taken care of by the community in which they live.
If you lend someone money, you do not demand it back rudely or harshly. This also means you do not tarnish his or her name. You settle the matters discreetly. In summary, the dignity of the humanbeing is respected.

[TechSiyaad]

African wisdom and stories like this must be spread, thanks Prof for this insightful explanation of Ubuntu philosophy

[troyclayton]

Thank you for these words of wisdom. So many forget what we're a part of.

[chickasawmike]

Until now, my only knowledge of Ubuntu was that it is a kick ass operating system. I am grateful to find it is a kick ass way of life as well.

[earthdakini]

Beautiful philosophy, he is so right, the lost knowledge of many indigenous peoples holds the key for the envisioning of how we may be able, to build a more humane society.

[RobinBoardmanUK]

"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.

It is easy to break down and destroy. The heroes are those make peace and build."

Nelson Mandela
🕊🌍

[sanv]

How well he could articulate exactly what he wants to convey is awe inspiring.

[mintsnake]

For me, in one word, Ubuntu is love.

Wonderful idea, thank you so for this. Definitely an important idea that is crucial to the advancement of human civilization as a whole, and the time to spread this idea of love for our selves is the same as the love for others is NOW.

[LastYak]

This is very similar to buddhism concept of interdependence, everything in the world doesn't exist independently rather dependent. Very insightful thank you professor. you seem like reincarnation of great monk from past life.

[zw-crc]

The term "ubuntu" does not originate from only ONE Bantu group, like the Nguni. It is a concept that is present in ALL Bantu societies of Southern and sub-Saharan Africa.

[marykesteynvaart]

Proud to be a university of pretoria Alumni & four our great academic minds to share what it means to be African! <3

[daizz]

This is so beautiful, I strongly believe that the world would be a better place if the philosophy of Ubuntu was more present in everyone’s mindsets 🌍

[didemaltop]

So elegantly narrated. Thank you for articulating this important concept of Ubuntu so gracefully. It is the core essence of mindful action. ❤

[paulz_san]

Wow, I never expected the Ubuntu OS to be named after a concept so profound and meaningful!