Ubuntu:What
is it and Do I Want It?
We're
NOT talking about the operating system! (In case you don't know:
Ubuntu
is a community developed, Linux-based operating system that is
perfect for laptops, desktops and servers. It contains all the
applications you need - a Web browser, presentation, document and
spreadsheet software, instant messaging and other applications.
)
Per
Wikipedia, Ubuntu is essentially a philosophy originating in Southern
Africa. Literally, it means "human-ness", a belief that we are all connected to all other humans. This philosophy encourages us to share with others, as well as care for others. What a wonderful belief is that?
"A person with Ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, based from a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that he or she belongs in a greater whole and is diminished when others are humiliated or diminished, when others are tortured or oppressed."
Here's
Nelson Mandela's description of UBUNTU:
"The word 'Ubuntu' originates from one of the Bantu dialects of Africa, and is pronounced as uu-Boon-too. It is a traditional African philosophy that offers us an understanding of ourselves in relation with the world. According to Ubuntu, there exists a common bond between us all and it is through this bond, through our interaction with our fellow human beings, that we discover our own human qualities."
To me, in this time of turmoil throughout our world. We would all be better off to think in terms of UBUNTU. I don't say that it is easy, but I believe it would be worthwhile. Instead of seeing others in terms of what is "bad" about them, what makes them different from us, all the reasons we shouldn't like them, I think we should take the time to view it as a means to build a better world and in the process, we will grow as people. I think that is worth the extra effort!
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