Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu*


An important concept in our country is Ubuntu - the essence of being human. Ubuntu speaks particularly about the fact that you can't exist as a human being in isolation. It speaks about our interconnectedness. You can't be human all by yourself. And when you have this quality - Ubuntu - you are known for your generosity.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu

I watched In My Country this evening. Juliet Binoche and Samuel L. Jackson play reporters who are attending the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Hearings. A very powerful movie.

We need more Ubuntu. Worldwide.

*A person is a person because of other people. (African Proverb)

4 comments:

Deb Shucka said...

I couldn't agree more. I just heard that Desmond Tutu is retiring, which is a huge loss for the world. Although I'll be surprised if retirement and silence are the same thing for him.

kario said...

"...you can't exist as a human being in isolation." Ahhh. Thank goodness!

graceonline said...

I'm so not a movie person that sometimes I miss the really good ones. It's in our queue! Thank you for reminding me of this important film. Ubuntu--rolls as nicely on the tongue as on the heart, doesn't it?

Carrie Wilson Link said...

We are one.