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

[@lorrainemaila5356]

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!.

[@leevids3336]

So true, where are you based now?

[@DennisPOwens-pl8tk]

It’s a beautiful philosophy. Coagency…

[@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.

[@Callummullans]

I’ve become a nihilist living in England just to retain humanity for imaginary people that I will one day be among, it seems like that’s Africa.

[@fauxamy23]

Very well said!

[@courtneyawalsh]

🙏🏼

[@Photomonon]

So much truth here. I'm ashamed I never knew the true meaning. I can see it's relevance and utility as a name for a flavor of Linux. "Compassion is useless without action" - absolutely brilliant 👏

[@shivamsharma1488]

Wow

[@J.5.M.]

Individuality, not individualism -- I love that.

[@margon1234]

???

[@tea_earl-grey-hot]

Thats why in Afrika everyone runs around with a crazy haircut, each one crazier than the next, and most is not even real hair.

[@innerbeauty9441]

That stood out for me as well 😊

[@innerbeauty9441]

Mar Gon, watch the vid smh

[@SonofCali999]

@@tea_earl-grey-hot Why do you sound uneducated?

[@GiggleGlimpses-e1x]

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

[@Kiriza22]

That´s great. let me share with you, our view of Obuntu in Uganda. 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.

[@GiggleGlimpses-e1x]

@@Kiriza22 thank you very much. Are you on Twitter, I could follow you?

[@missqt48]

@Kitiza22 Thanks for sharing! I’m from Zambia and although we have 70+ languages, the most common Bemba and Nyanja are very similar to Swahili and I’ve noticed words like Ubuntu, we say A’Bantu (people) muntu (person) Ba Nkula (an elder) I was also taught since I could walk and talk to respect elders, serve them first with upmost respect (I used to kneel, not so much now I live in the west) We also have a value in offering others before yourself! Respect of the elders (from any nation) is a must! We love our grandparents because they hold so much knowledge, so much so it is unheard of an elderly man/ woman living alone!

[@GiggleGlimpses-e1x]

@@missqt48 which part of Zambia are you from?

[@missqt48]

Born in the Copperbelt! Mum and Dad both easterners but I spent a lot of time around the country due to mums work, before migrating to the U.K. 20 odd years ago!

[@henk-3098]

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.

[@Callummullans]

I yearn with my soul for this day

[@DochenDochen-pm3zc]

We are because I am.....stress the role of an individual in global .....trees through forest not forest through trees.

[@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

[@Quitumbe954]

The video ends at 9:10

[@citygalmelanieproductions1431]

Thank you

[@chickasawmike1319]

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.

[@gcisamhaga8605]

LOL… I didn’t know it was an operating system, just thought it was a way of life.

[@verynick]

Haha same, Linux. I had used Ubuntu and Mint!

[@andrewgreen5574]

That was the purpose of the OS Ubuntu; to build a community which builds open source apps and technology. The emphasis was always on "community".

[@MosesMatsepane]

@@gcisamhaga8605 Yeah, created by a South African Mark Shuttleworth.

[@glukglukglukgluk9994]

@@MosesMatsepane And I knew it was an OS but didn't know it was created by a South African, I just thought it was a relevant philosophy with open source

[@Kiriza22]

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.

[@MosesMatsepane]

All Bantu languages call have a 'Tu', 'Tho', sound for people. Batho, Bantu, Watu, etc... Hence Bantu.

[@estajeanette7487]

Very true. I am a proud bantu.

[@troyclayton]

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

[@TechSiyaad]

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

[@dsa513]

Yes African philosophy has very strong implications for future forms of civilization. Even though it isn't a political philosophy, its an indication of social practice and identity.

[@siphokazintetha1857]

Who is the Professor’s name please

[@Goldensunrise-8]

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.

[@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.

[@sanic0718]

He mentions the Ego too, which I think is particularly perceptive, because you could argue that the west individualism has evolved in Ayn Rands Egoism: The philosophy that by investing in the self over others, you end up helping society in the long run. Which is definitely one of the core pillars of neoliberal capitalism. Ubuntu is its perfect opposite, and I love it.

[@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.

[@sanv8662]

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

[@dekev7503]

He's an academic, wtf did you expect?

[@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 🕊🌍

[@phumlanindlovu5653]

Im Zulu and respect is everything although brought up with abit of western ideas. We greet each other everywhere and in public

[@murjoshua]

Really needed to watch this, makes an impact on understanding the life experiences am going through personally. I like the idea of distinguishing between Individuality and Individualism. A good one to help track the relationship between oneself and their community.

[@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.

[@vanessaandreatta9098]

I have been in Pretoria, had that feeling even in the township

[@didemaltop2771]

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

[@beyourself4996]

Great lecture thank you, I learned a lot from this video from a African expertive and yes we need this to use, in our community.

[@flaviassimas]

this brought me to tears. thank you ♥

[@daizz1720]

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 🌍

[@ZOE_NtombiYaseMancwabeni]

Ubuntu is more than a way of life, it connects us even without language, you can give it, live it, be it, feel it. It's spiritual and no amount of money can ever equate to it. Ubuntu is me and you, all of us... in humility too ( ukuzehlisa).

[@evanskinyua1549]

The Bantu name for human being, Muntu, is derived from the same philosophy. It is the philosophy of the divine, of divinity. White people cannot comprehend it. I've just seen people taking care of Ukrainians stranded in Kenya, planning to distribute them among families, even as they see news of mistreatment of Africans in Ukraine. That is Ubuntu.

[@hannekehartkoorn5987]

How unumbuntu to make it a matter of colour.

[@mytravls]

@@hannekehartkoorn5987 it’s not. That was just imply how some cultures are aware than the others.

[@hannekehartkoorn5987]

@@mytravls culture and skin tone are not the same! Evans literally writes that WHITE PEOPLE cannot comprehend it. Since when is being white a culture?

[@mytravls]

@@hannekehartkoorn5987 arent ALL whites not western culture? 🙄 If whites aren’t different culture than this man than what it is? If you want to point out Zimbabwean white still they follow their Dutch or English ancestors.

[@hannekehartkoorn5987]

@@mytravls you gotta be joking, right? All whites are just one culture?

[@chrundlethegreat2251]

As a South African and a person who as child and teen-ager had a massive fascination with History this finally connects a term to this universal truth I've been feeling all my life. My life is not my own, something is owed to the people that reside beside me. I have an obligation to affect positive change that I am able to accomplish in my lifetime. If I can, I will.

[@bxstar5276]

This is so beautiful!

[@nforfrank9604]

I am because you're!! Who is this man talking please!!!! He is a sage from his ways of speaking, he sounds witty.... Much love from Cameroon 🙌 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗮𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮

[@pathfinderwellcare]

I just received a healing from this. Thank you. 💕🙏🏽💕

[@MegaVoyager77]

I just learnt the difference between Individualism and individuality, thanks for that wise man and I like the idea of being aware or our individuality as well as our interdependence with our enviroment, brilliant idea I like it..

[@DezaRay24]

Profound words that left me in tears. We need to come together as one people of we ever want peace among nations.

[@thebx-substack-com]

Won't happen until we move out of usury currency and use neutral/free ones. Look me up if you want to see how that works.

[@malcolmmutambanengwe3453]

If we took the spirit of Ubuntu to heart, there would be no xenophobic violence in South Africa

[@missbstuurman]

If we took Ubuntu to heart, there wouldn't be Foreigners murdering, Raping, scamming and taking low skilled jobs from poorly educated village South Africans.🙏💁🏽‍♀️

[@letsbehomiz1549]

Ubuntu has it's limits.

[@danielcrafter9349]

@@letsbehomiz1549 - no, people have limits But also - those limits are set by people. Thus, people make their own limits

[@margerald1]

I doubt it because if the community is xenophobic then Ubuntu will not work. Ubuntu may value acceptance however it isn't that simple. By getting people to value the community more than themselves we force them to sacrifice individualism and turn against individualist. By constantly praising communal values Ubuntu fails to realize how such a collectivist system is inherently anti-individuality and detrimental to those who don't fit in. It's inherently xenophobic so we need individualism more than ever now.

[@andycampano]

I'm glad to see a video about this...I very much believe in the spirit of Ubuntu ☀️🌻🐝

[@farahf8538]

I had gone to Africa recently. A band had come to perform for an event that we had organised & gave us these beautiful bracelets with UBUNTU written as gifts. A friend recently again used the word. I am so glad that I wanted to know more & looked deeper & found this video. It is one of the most beautiful video that has touched my soul deeply. What a beautiful philosophy. Thank you Africa

[@523hunter]

Ubuntu is the virtual machine

[@marykesteynvaart6998]

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

[@Debbi.O]

I’ve come back to watch this after years of watching it the first time. I. Happy that this knowledge exists. I pray to incorporate Ubuntu into my life.

[@grovermartin6874]

Maybe one day journalists will say "South African" or "Botswanan" or even "Pretorian" and open our eyes to where we are in our world, on our planet. Maybe they'll even assume we already know.

[@LifesBANANAtoo]

Botswanan? There’s no such thing as Botswanan unless you want to force a post colonial identity on Batswana. Just say, Botswana. No need for the prefixes/ suffixes if you are not aware of their usage.

[@fluxfaze]

Looking into the past frightens most everyone but for consistently accomplished people, deep, focused reflection on past experiences-good and bad-is a vital key to future success.

[@zero-zero-2755]

From my experience, it’s not something you can explain or teach. It’s a deeper connection between people that goes unsaid. It’s in your body language, your tone of voice, your ability and interest to listen deeply, your willingness to be in a tough situation because you cannot leave another to struggle alone. Ubuntu sounds novel to people who look in from the outside but between the people that share it? This is the only way.

[@pathfinderwellcare]

I love that.

[@nenya]

Well said! I understand what you're trying to say. My family is from a very poor country in latin america but there is such a strong community conciousness there. Even the way people talk to eachother is more real, people are much more authentic and truly listening to eachother. Whereas, in other countries people walk past you as if you don't exist. People may always be paying attention to what neighbours are doing, but it's because they care. My aunt regularly feeds the homeless guy that likes to sleep in front of her house. The neighbours are constantly helping eachother. People will run out of their houses at midnight to defend someone. People are truly alive and live in a world were people matter, not objects. While the rest of the world is stuck in an over indulgent simulation of life....

[@mishzguafa]

Absolutely taking my breath away...He explained it in a away it will touch your deepest soul.

[@womanhood123]

This speaks to my soul so much!

[@robinhooper7702]

I often say... in order for one to be wise one must learn to be humble. And you Sir are that....thank you for your inspiration.

[@devarmont87]

Wisdom is Knowledge applied. It has nothing to do with being good or bad (humble) its simply experience. In order for one to be wise, one must actually do a thing, for example. One may read a cook book on curries. And that one would gain knowledge/intelligence. This is not wisdom, no matter how much knowledge you have and how humble you are - you are not wise until you actually attempt to make the curry from your knowledge. Even if you fail to make a good curry, the fact that you attempted it and learned, makes you wise. Stop thinking wisdom is a "nice person thing. A evil persons can still be wise

[@peterhaydon1883]

Beautiful talk. So we know the answer, do we choose to take the time to look.

[@coveryourassets5086]

This is beautiful. And I thought I was going to watch the origin story of a Linux Distro.

[@mfhusain5891]

Me too

[@paulz_san]

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

[@junsu21]

the words by this man are sooo beautiful and aspirational. More people seriously need to listen to this and then apply it to all our lives.

[@jocelynwilliams2059]

This guys sounds like hope for me admist in chaotic world

[@rare.phukin.spotted.halibut]

In Hawaiian there is a similar idea in "pono". To keep a balance between people, resources, land, etc. If someone looks for a pattern in things long enough similar ideas develop concerning the same problems in different areas. We are very much all the same.

[@DebunkChr]

Ubuntu is very deep. It has many elements to it. Umuntu umuntu ngabantu (You are because of others) (the main proverb) Izandla ziyagezana (one hand washes the other) if I help you today don't forget me tomorrow. Akudlulwa ngendlela umuzi wakhiwa (You don't just pass by when others are building a house) meaning Always lend a hand to those in need. I could go on and one using Zulu proverbs that are rich in explaining Ubuntu. Yet, today individualism is thriving. Modern society lives in contrast of Ubuntu.

[@susank580]

I want to hear and read more about Ubuntu. Thank you for sharing this lovely video.

[@nataliemukamimbewe6]

Remember my mom and dad teaching me and my siblings about this as children. I really appreciate how it shaped us as adults and I will pass it down to my children as well

[@nabinchaudhary926]

It was such a pleasure to listen to you. You explained everything so explicitly and thanks for this kind of content which teaches us about the value of environment and interdependence of each other and we are social beings.

[@franciscakiilu656]

I like it🙏Thank u for elaborating the Ubuntu spirit

[@queennerd5581]

Keyword here is that Ubuntu is an African "ideal". Unfortunately, it is not lived / practiced by South Africans (anymore). Western values have become far more influential in South Africa today, and now its all about individualism, and the environment is not even a consideration. Sadly, it's become about ego and status, even in the rural area in which I live. Good interview though.

[@klomax7089]

This is such a great video, I really enjoyed it. I learned about Ubuntu at my church, it is a core principle of its mission. 🙏🏾

[@cliffordbiko3808]

The explanation offered by the good don is quite eye-opening. UBUNTU to the world!!

[@queennerd5581]

"Ubuntu" is the name of the philosophical concept. But the direct translation of that word just means "humanity" or "people". The full phrase/proverb which actually means, "I am, because we are" is: "Umntu ngubuntu ngabantu".

[@MosesMatsepane]

The English language does not have a word that can be used to Translate Ubuntu directly. Ubuntu is a complex hybrid of Humanity and Community(Or People as you put it).

[@SithembisoNokula]

You can not fully explain Ubuntu in English unfortunately ....

[@SithembisoNokula]

Come and live among us then you will fully understand Ubuntu especially if you can live in Rural Areas of South Africa

[@queennerd5581]

@@SithembisoNokula I do live in rural South Africa. Amapondo, Eastern Cape. Which is why I added my contribution to these comments.

[@queennerd5581]

@@MosesMatsepane Yes, which is why I called "Ubuntu" a philosophical concept. But people often forget or misquote the full African proverb from which it derives. If I remember correctly, this video says the word Ubuntu "is translated as...". I just provided the actual proverb that translates as such, because the one word does not translate as such.

[@1ndianSummer]

KZbin please suggest that video to everyone.

[@Dan-qs2co]

I am a programmer, seeing the preview and the title, finding out that the OS I am using has a deep philosophic meaning and widening my knowledge about the stuff I am in.

[@jlbeeen]

Same. The open source community introduced me to the idea, and I like that there are so many programmers out there who work to make things better, and often work together with different groups to improve things.

[@annemiura7767]

Excellent. What a wise and beautiful man.

[@MinisterChristopher]

I briefly “thought” about this word twice yesterday while listening to a Kenyan delegate speak at some sort of assembly, then this shows up today.

[@vanefreja86]

I think I've seen that same video. About borders and how they look ahead and not hold on to the past?

[@MinisterChristopher]

@@vanefreja86 yes I think that’s it, he was speaking about empires failing the people and falling because of it

[@EquallyIndian]

I loved it👍🏻👍🏻

[@Eliebankineza]

UBUNTU, what a wonderful philosophy. Thanks Brad for sharing.

[@Sub-zero346]

I love how when they talk about you belong to a community its some white guys when they talk about the vulnerable its some black school children. Amazing editing for sure

[@marylatha7998]

That simple philosophy, so thoughtful, applicable. 👏👏👏👏👏👍🙏💐

[@morturn]

Absolutely spot on, thank you.

[@AndersonArruda-n8e]

Filosofia essencial para as questões minúsculas da vida até as gigantescas. Muito lindo!

[@Trakle]

“it’s a sauce of life” absolutely beautiful.

[@cliftontorrence839]

Zikomo Abwana Wangoni. Very tasteful.

[@steelparadox]

This was mentioned to me yesterday. This is the beginning of my learning path. Ubuntu is the way.

[@1chadia]

Ubuntu means "humanity" in Kirundu, the language in Burundi, my home country.

[@francoisekaoma5292]

Same in Bemba, Zambia but the philosophy of Ubuntu as we are raised to understand it transcends beyond this through to how we interact with the environment/nurture it.. exactly how he explains it🥺🥺

[@maraonmars]

Starting to learn about many philosophical schools of Africa and am very inspired and excited. Another thing I see is a lot of duality, much like Taoism, as opposed to the dichotomous notions of Western Phil and religion.

[@nkosiemahlangu1158]

As a Bantu person the most depressing thing about living in the western world is the absence of ubuntu.

[@ratatataraxia]

It’s also the most user friendly Linux distro.

[@darinbauer8122]

The Great Spirit & The Mother Earth love you for your hard work!

[@Mor_timer]

This is such a genuine piece ❤

[@AlessioAndres]

The answer 4 the title is EVERYTHING ..this is my dream.

[@mytravls]

The narrator has a great voice. I could listen everyday.

[@AngelUg]

Ubuntu sounds like a Bantu word. In my language (one of the many Bantu languages), it means "humanity"

[@sollymadeit]

We are one. Ever communicating and working together, striving for a better life for each and every one of us. 💙

[@lizswank7239]

Beautiful 💚

[@gameheaded]

The first quote was Paraphrased in Beast Wars Transformers as "the seeds of the future lie buried in the past".

[@cheshireket3132]

Before i knew about Ubuntu, i would say "we need eachother. All of us."

[@gordonmeeks2447]

I would love to see a conversation between Ogude and Dr. Iain McGilchrist, "The Matter With Things".

[@Present4]

The reductionism of the final question to the Elder disturbs me. Nevertheless the concept of mutuality is beautiful. I hope it can be spread successfully

[@tigwhite883]

Only thing I don't like about Ubuntu is the fact that music files are kept I ogg format. 🤔

[@daisylawrence7868]

What?

[@Footballchallenge_africa]

Great segment 👏👏👏🌍

[@jlbeeen]

I only knew of the word in the context of the operating system, and now I see why that name fits for an open source project.

[@bondpapi]

This is the most important video on KZbin

[@CrazyTobster]

Ubuntu - The operating system; Open Source is true to the meaning of the word.

[@ximono]

We have so much to learn from indigenous cultures.

[@jeffmorse645]

Every culture is "indigenous" somewhere.

[@Chigo-nr8jg]

indigenous? are you saying the Nguni have been replaced? this isn't america.

[@caracara300]

@@Chigo-nr8jg exactly

[@ximono]

Maybe my English is lacking. The word I had in mind in my native language Norwegian (urfolk) means something like "ancient people". Colonisation or migration is not a part of it. I'm from Europe, not America.

[@MosesMatsepane]

@@ximono You became even more condescending in your "self-correction".Jeff put it nicely, every culture is "indigenous" somewhere, case closed.

[@elquintinoart47]

In Burundi 🇧🇮 when we say: guha ikintu umuntu k'ubuntu; We mean : To give Something to someone for free 😊

[@MetuPhysics-de4yj]

I would like to learn more about this person. Did anyone note at 4:35, there at the end of the same shelf, the book "X-ray Crystallography?"; as if to say, he enjoys complex assemblages of the mind no matter the myrid degrees of freedom.

[@bonganijusticemakhubela6920]

Do you know what his name is?

[@inaliwahane4342]

Thank you for this 😇

[@vivayo4588]

I moved to study at university and then after to work from a country that values and behaves in a community-driven way to the UK. After 20 years, of living in the UK I have more money but less happiness. We all face a global crisis and rushing toward planetary ecosystem collapse. We all need to reevaluate our values and definition of happiness. Money is not the answer. I would give all my money for a better world for all.

[@twylacastaneda7117]

fantastic, thank you

[@arunsree9907]

A great content, thanks to BBC ✌

[@ForrestAnna]

I love this.