Rene Descartes’s famous dictum, “I think, therefore I am,” lies at the foundation of much of Western civilization. It puts reason as the highest value in society. Africa lives by a different philosophy. It’s called ubuntu and goes something like this: “You are, therefore I am.” Or: “I exist to the extent that others acknowledge and respect me.” In Africa compassion rules, not reason. Africans are known for their ukwenana, which means that you give or share something without expecting anything in return. Along the same lines is ukusisa, a type of investment in which wealthy people sacrifice something for those less fortunate. Ubuntu teaches the art of being human. And you don’t have to be African to put this into practice.
You are, therefore I am
More of Today's Solutions
The Great Bubble Barrier: bubble curtains are intercepting 86 percent of rive...
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Rivers are how plastic gets to the ocean. Stop it there, and you stop it for good. The ...
Read MoreIndia connects 124 million rural homes to tap water
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Six years ago, fewer than one in six rural homes in India had a tap water connection. As ...
Read MoreThe biodegradable, self-cleaning fabric made from living caterpillar fungus
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The sustainable fashion industry has spent years trying to reduce harm: less water, fewer synthetic chemicals, more recycled ...
Read More7 plants with super air-purifying powers
Houseplants are all great natural indoor air purifiers, but some are especially effective for improving indoor air quality. Here are seven houseplant varieties that ...
Read More
