Table of Contents
A Recapitulation of the Essence of Ubuntu Philosophy
Through several years of existence filled with experiences, man has come to the realization that humanity is one. Despite challenging times and chaotic moments that seem to be immanent in our world at this time, there still remain several reasons that remind us of our ‘sameness’.
The idea of ‘family’, ‘government’, ‘culture’, and ‘religion’ is one borne out of the realization that we must co-exist in order to live fully. The Ubuntu philosophy of “I am because you are” cannot be more ad rem at any other point than it is now, a time when the whole world is under the grip of fear because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A philosophy which has always promoted a ‘world view’ approach as opposed to an ‘individualistic’ approach to life, has come to mean more to the whole world as different countries team up in the search for a cure for the virus.
Man As A Being Unto Others
During the launch of its humanitarian response in March 2020, the UN pointed out that a global approach is the only way to fight the Covid-19. In other words, if developed countries decide to focus on their citizens alone while ignoring the underdeveloped and developing countries, it will only leave more people at risk as the virus will eventually circle back around the globe.
Man is not a being of isolation because he co-exists. Man’s solipsistic beliefs are nullified when he realizes that he did not bring himself into the world (he was born into it). He has family members or guardians, makes friends, and has colleagues. He attends schools with other people and he works with other people, etc.
At every point in life, man lives with other people, and just as others have important roles to play in his life, he too has important roles to play in the life of others too. The realization and acceptance of this is a precious gift that keeps all of humanity moving.
Memory Lane
In history, there have been very big events that shook the whole world or greater parts of it. It wouldn’t have been possible to overcome all these without the collective effort of all. The Spanish flu of 1918- which raided the world at the same time world war I was going on- is a reminder of humanity’s sameness. It was recorded that the flu killed more soldiers than the war and the massive deaths diverted the attention of all countries from the war to the procurement of a vaccine and a cure.
Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, the news headlines were filled with political tussles and wars between countries. However, with the outbreak of the pandemic, humanity is once more saddled with the need for collective effort. These two events go on to reveal the obvious interdependence of our collective humanity.
The donations from individuals and companies, the relief funds to underdeveloped countries, the surrender of personal hospitals as isolation centres and so many other actions by governments and individuals in response to the pandemic are milestones that remind us continuously of our shared values.
A Sense of Global Identity
In his book “Do Not Say It’s Not Your Country”, Nnamdi Oguike uses ten short stories to point out some heartbreaking events that happened in different African countries. The title of his book is a reminder of our inter-connectedness. It should not be the case that we hear of a bomb blast in a foreign country that claimed thousands of lives, and we remain unmoved because it never happened to us.
A bomb blast, earthquake, virus outbreak, etc., that happens in a distant land should be a concern for all because humanity is one. The COVID-19 started off only in a few countries and many other countries were undisturbed. However, with the spread of the virus, different countries have been affected in one way or the other and this reiterates our inter-connectedness.
We must learn to identify with the pains and joys of others because it is in doing so that we realize our true being. It is in our daily interactions with others that we begin to get a clearer view of who we are, and this knowledge of the self through others is a necessary part of our existence, a means through which we are able to determine our true purpose and role in the big picture of life.
Wisdom From the Ancients
The Hindu concept of Brahman, which comes from the Devanagari root word “bṛh-” (to expand, to enlarge, to grow), can be associated with the Ubuntu philosophy of “I am because you are”. This Hindu concept upholds the principle of non-duality, which teaches that there is no “I” or “You” because we are all one and the same thing.
From a different angle, this concept teaches that the self can be found in the other and the other in the self, since they are both one and the same thing. In line with this concept, Ubuntu philosophy is a reminder to bear in mind that your existence is only valid because of the other and the existence of the other is only valid through your own existence.
Asserting the Sameness of our Being
In conclusion, there is a need to make it clear that the different cultures of the world are a reflection of the same humanity. Despite the minor differences in outlook, there are core sets of values that cut across different cultures of the whole world. These values focus on the development of humanity as a whole and provide suitable ways for the sustenance and survival of the family.
As a conglomeration of selfless cultures, Ubuntu philosophy calls us to expand our ‘beingness’ to include the other, to enlarge our circle to involve the other, and to grow with the other. In doing so, we embrace our true humanity, which calls out to us endlessly through the other.