Skip to content

Belong Quote by Desmond Tutu

“Ubuntu is very difficult to render into a Western language. It speaks of the very essence of being human. When we want to give high praise to someone we say, “Yu, u nobuntu”; “Hey, so-and-so has ubuntu.” Then you are generous, you are hospitable, you are friendly and caring and compassionate. You…” quote by Desmond Tutu
Download Open image
““Ubuntu is very difficult to render into a Western language. It speaks of the very essence of being human. When we want to give high praise to someone we say, “Yu, u nobuntu”; “Hey, so-and-so has ubuntu.” Then you are generous, you are hospitable, you are friendly and caring and compassionate. You share what you have. It is to say, “My humanity is caught up, is inextricably bound up, in yours.” We belong in a bundle of life. We say, “A person is a person through other persons.” It is not, “I think therefore I am.” It says rather: “I am human because I belong. I participate, I share.” A person with ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, for he or she has a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that he or she belongs in a greater whole and is diminished when others are humiliated or diminished, when others are tortured or oppressed, or treated as if they were less than who they are.””

Desmond Tutu

About This Quote

Ubuntu describes humanity as interdependent, emphasizing shared humanity, generosity, and compassion over individualism.

In simple terms: Ubuntu means we are human because we belong to and care for each other.

Key Takeaway

Foster community and mutual support.

Themes

community humanity interdependence

Mood

reflective empathetic

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • teamwork
  • volunteering
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

social philosophy collective identity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you balance Ubuntu with individual rights?
  • When does communal support become overreach?
A Different Perspective

It may overlook personal autonomy or cultural differences.

3.3 out of 5 (7 ratings)

More by Desmond Tutu

Explore all 558 Desmond Tutu quotes

More Belong quotes

Browse all 1,571 Belong quotes