Ubuntu Philosophy

Abstract

This chapter is guided by, informed by, and deals with the Indigenous African faith Ubuntu, which is translated as “I am because we are.” When we are nearing the new normal, we feel that the sense of individualism, consumerism, Eurocentric “self,” and “making self” should be replaced by a common principle of solidarity. In the new value, “I” will be merged into “we”—and “ours.” The whole study evolved with three simple questions: What is Ubuntu is? And Why and how can Ubuntu be a vector and vantage for the new normal? Tracing back to 1846, this discussion concludes that Ubuntu is a more appropriate way of establishing a just, harmonized, and rights-based society.