Ubuntu philosophy

Ubuntu (Zulu pronunciation: [ùɓúntʼù];^[1]^[2] meaning 'humanity' in some Bantu languages, such as Zulu) describes a set of closely related Bantu African-origin value systems that emphasize the interconnectedness of individuals with their surrounding societal and physical worlds. "Ubuntu" is sometimes translated as "I am because we are" (also "I am because you are"),^[3] or "humanity towards others" (Zulu umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu). In Xhosa, the latter term is used, but is often meant in a more philosophical sense to mean "the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity".^[4]

^ Tutu, Desmond (2013). Who we are: Human uniqueness and the African spirit of Ubuntu (video). Templeton Prize (published 4 April 2013). Event occurs at 2:42. Archived from the original on 4 March 2025. Retrieved 11 January 2015 – via YouTube.
^ Desmond Tutu on Ubuntu (video). Semester at Sea, Spring '07. Jared Reichbaum (published 7 April 2008). 2007. Event occurs at 0:09. Archived from the original on 10 November 2021. Retrieved 11 January 2015 – via YouTube.
^ "The question: What does ubuntu really mean?". TheGuardian.com. 28 September 2006.
^ "About the Name". Official Ubuntu Documentation. Canonical. Archived from the original on 23 February 2013. Retrieved 2 February 2017.

[1] Tutu, Desmond (2013). Who we are: Human uniqueness and the African spirit of Ubuntu (video). Templeton Prize (published 4 April 2013). Event occurs at 2:42. Archived from the original on 4 March 2025. Retrieved 11 January 2015 – via YouTube.

[2] Desmond Tutu on Ubuntu (video). Semester at Sea, Spring '07. Jared Reichbaum (published 7 April 2008). 2007. Event occurs at 0:09. Archived from the original on 10 November 2021. Retrieved 11 January 2015 – via YouTube.

[3] "The question: What does ubuntu really mean?". TheGuardian.com. 28 September 2006.

[aboutthename-4] "About the Name". Official Ubuntu Documentation. Canonical. Archived from the original on 23 February 2013. Retrieved 2 February 2017.

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