Ubuntu is very difficult to render into a Western language... It is to say, 'My humanity is caught up, is inextricably bound up, in what is yours.'
Interpretation
Ubuntu expresses the interconnectedness of humanity, highlighting that our personal identities are linked to others.
The concept of Ubuntu, as articulated by Desmond Tutu, emphasizes the idea that an individual's humanity is intertwined with the humanity of others. It suggests that we are not isolated beings but rather part of a larger community, where our well-being and identity are dependent on the well-being and identities of those around us. This philosophy challenges individualism and promotes a sense of collective responsibility and compassion.
In practice
During a community meeting, to emphasize the importance of collaboration and support, one might say, 'As Desmond Tutu said, 'My humanity is caught up, is inextricably bound up, in what is yours.'
The fossil reserves that have already been discovered exceed what can ever be safely used. Yet companies spend half a trillion dollars each year searching for more fuel. They should redirect this money toward developing clean energy solutions
As much as the world has an instinct for evil and is a breeding ground for genocide, holocaust, slavery, racism, war, oppression, and injustice, the world has an even greateer instinct for goodness, rebirth, mercy, beauty, truth, freedom and love.
When the missionaries came to Africa they had the Bible and we had the land. They said 'Let us pray.' We closed our eyes. When we opened them we had the Bible and they had the land.
Children are a wonderful gift. They have an extraordinary capacity to see into the heart of things and to expose sham and humbug for what they are.
Religion is like a knife: you can either use it to cut bread, or stick in someone's back.
Gaza is going to test who believes in the worth of human beings.
Hell, in my opinion, is never finding your true self and never living your own life or knowing who you are.
Don't you think I have sense enough to worry about my motives for saying the prayer? That's exactly what's bothering me so. Just because I'm choosy about what I want - in this case, enlightenment or peace, instead or money or prestige or game or any of those things, doesn't mean I'm not as egotistical and self-seeking as everybody else. If anything, I'm more so!
Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former.
The essence of neo-colonialism is that the State which is subject to it is, in theory, independent and has all the outward trappings of international sovereignty. In reality its economic system and thus its political policy is directed from outside.
Government by idea tends to take in everything, to make the whole of society obedient to the idea. Spaces not so governed are unconquered, beyond the border, unconverted, a future danger.
Metaphor is the only possible language available to religion because it alone is honest about Mystery.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.