UBUNTU!

When you read this word your first thoughts were probably like ,"Is that even a word?" or "Ah they must be talking about the netbook!"  However I am talking about the African Philosophy.  Ubuntu is a Bantu word and basically it means that every human in the world is connected in one way or another, a unity of a human race.  It is an amzing idea and a good belief for the general human race to use.

While I was researching this I found a quote in a website from the South African Nobel Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu.  He describes Ubuntu as: "It is the essence of being human. It speaks of the fact that my humanity is caught up and is inextricably bound up in yours. I am human because I belong. It speaks about wholeness, it speaks about compassion. A person with Ubuntu is welcoming, hospitable, warm and generous, willing to share. Such people are open and available to others, willing to be vulnerable, affirming of others, do not feel threatened that others are able and good, for they have a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that they belong in a greater whole. They know that they are diminished when others are humiliated, diminished when others are oppressed, diminished when others are treated as if they were less than who they are. The quality of Ubuntu gives people resilience, enabling them to survive and emerge still human despite all efforts to dehumanize them." 

After seeing Ubuntu it reminded me of a video called, RSA Animate-The Empathetic Civilisation.  It was amazing with all the scientific and historical facts that back up their ideas of a whole human race like Ubuntu.  The video made me worry about our biosphere and how we should band together.  This video supports Ubuntu completely and makes me think of what I can do.  I will try to bring humans together and make more positive actions so that humanity will be better.

The Possibilities

Being 'fully human' online by Ezra Klein was a very interesting article discussing on how people can be fully human online.  Ezra states from his personal experience that he has the same human interaction and sometimes even better because he has many dissabilities.  "The computer screen is my window to the world."  In many ways that is true and a great output for him to express himself and be human.  Personally I like this method for those who need it, however I feel bad because they are not getting the full experience.

All the Lonely People

After reading this article here by Roger Ebert.  This blog is so true in so many ways.  He basically wrote why we exist.  It is true about the longing to communicate with each other and in many different ways just to express yourself and not feel lonely.  Roger Ebert also took a biological point of view and said how we long to be with each other and reproduce.  Another amazing thing he wrote was how some humans don't want to be alone in life and that is also why we long and exist.

Inspiring

Roger Ebert is an amazing and inspiring man!  When I first read his story it made me feel bad yet jealous for him.  Ebert is a famous movie critic who four years ago lost his ability to eat, drink, and speak because he lost his lower jaw from cancer.  There have been numerous surgeries to try to fix this but tragically only gets worse.  Fortunately this hasn't stopped Ebert from continuing his life, his job, and being a husband.  Instead of speaking he writes his words on post it notes and types them into computers who speak for him.  Ebert is strong and hopeful.  Along with this he has gained a better appreciation for the world and finds a greater joy in it.  To have this experience is life changing.  From reading this I became more thankful and in awe at the hope and attitude Ebert took from his tragedy.

If you don't know who Roger Ebert is you can see an overview of his life here.  http://www.esquire.com/features/roger-ebert-0310

Humanity, Hope, and the Human Spirit

When you really wrestle with the idea of humanity, hope, and the human spirit you could think about it forever!  The subject had me engaged and confused when first brought up in my class.  The unit means a lot to me.  It means a discovery of myself, others, and maybe the overall human race.  I have no idea where this confusing topic will lead me, but I really want to get into this because it is a difficult subject to discuss even for the smartest of people.  It will explain the drive, the choice, and the reason for humans. I hope this unit will help better my understanding of life and maybe even my own.

Intros and Such

Andrew is the name. I'm a 10th grader at Northern Burlington.  The reason I made this blog is for my class Gifted and Talented 2 class. Right now we are studying Humanity: How It Feels to Be Human.  Hope you enjoy this blog on humanity and life.