The African Philosophy Ubuntu - I Am, because We Are

Many of you may be familiar with this phrase as the name of a popular Linux based operating sysytem, but it's roots go back much further then that.

We need to go back to the 1800s to find the origin. Back then ubuntu was not a philosophy, but a quality that one either had or didn't, like one might have the quality of kindness. Those who were known for helping the community were said to be with ubuntu.

It wasn't until the late 1900s with the rise and fall of apartheid ubuntu fully transitioned into a philosophy. And is now a part or the political ideology of Zimbabwe and South Africa.

People are who they are because of their interactions with society. It's easy to label our ancestors and even people today as monsters, but if we were to walk a lifetime in their shoes we would find ourselves in the same position.

When ever you here of an atrocity, instead of going the easy route and pointing at where they failed society, look a little deeper and find where it was that society may have failed them. It's a much more difficult question, but the answers are much more beneficial.

So I ask you readers to take ubuntu into your heart. All of us are players in society, even if your a recluse. With the invention of planes, the internet and propagation of new technology, the world is becoming more and more interconnected.

True peace is a possibility, but only if the players are willing to put in the work. So don't be afraid to stand up for your ideals, don't be afraid to go against the norm, and don't be afraid to challenge someone's opinion. These are all things history has shown to be a nessitiy.

This was my first post on steemit. I hope you found it an enjoyable read. Feel free to leave a reply with any questions, criticism or comments you may have.