Excerpted from Sapiens Reinvented by Jim Loehr

Ubuntu, stemming from the Nguni Bantu languages of Southern Africa, is not merely a word; it encapsulates an entire worldview and philosophy that defines the African perception of community and connection. Rooted deep in African traditions, Ubuntu stands as a testament to the realization that our individual well-being is inextricably intertwined with the well-being of others. At its core, Ubuntu stresses the importance of universal human bonds, advocating that we're all interconnected in the grand tapestry of life. 

To truly understand the profound essence of Ubuntu, one must delve deeper than its direct translation. While it may be rendered as "I am because we are," this phrase barely scratches the surface of its multifaceted meaning. It's a concept that transcends language barriers, urging us to look beyond ourselves and acknowledging the shared experiences, emotions, and destinies that bind humanity together. 

This idea of collective belonging is especially significant in today's era of individualism and self-centered pursuits. In a world increasingly marked by division, competition, and isolation, Ubuntu serves as a timely reminder of the power and necessity of human connectivity. It beckons us to remember that no one exists in isolation. Our successes, failures, joys, and sorrows are all intertwined, often rippling out and impacting those around us in ways we might never fully comprehend. 

Everyday Ubuntu, penned by Mungi Ngomane, offers a nuanced exploration of this philosophy. In her insightful narrative, Ngomane eloquently conveys how Ubuntu manifests in daily life, reinforcing that it's not just a theoretical construct but a practical guide to living. Through her words, readers are invited to witness how treating others with dignity, respect, and compassion isn't just an ethical duty but the bedrock of harmonious societies. 

One might question why such a concept, which seems innate to human nature, needs to be emphasized. While many of us inherently understand the value of unity and community, modern life often steers us away from such ideals. The frenetic pace of life, the constant chase for materialistic gains, and the pressures to stand out often eclipse the simple truths that Ubuntu highlights. This is where Ngomane's book becomes vital, serving as both a reminder and a manual to realign our compass towards a more compassionate and connected existence. 

But how does one live by Ubuntu in everyday life? Ngomane's writings suggest it starts with genuine empathy. It's about feeling the pain of another as if it were your own, rejoicing in their happiness as if it were your triumph. This empathy extends beyond human connections. It’s an understanding that every action we take, whether towards other humans, animals, or the environment, has consequences that reverberate through the universe. 

Another cornerstone of Ubuntu is humility. Recognizing that we are part of a larger whole and that our individual achievements are often the result of collective effort is vital. This acknowledgment enables us to approach others with an open heart and mind, devoid of judgment or preconceptions. 

Furthermore, Ubuntu encourages active listening. In a world where everyone is eager to voice their opinions, taking a step back to truly listen becomes a revolutionary act. By immersing ourselves in the stories and experiences of others, we not only broaden our horizons but foster genuine bonds that stand the test of time. 
In the realm of reconciliation, Ubuntu shines especially bright. It promotes forgiveness, understanding that holding onto grudges and animosities harms us more than it harms the perpetrator. While it doesn't negate the importance of justice, it emphasizes the healing power of compassion and unity. 

Ultimately, Ubuntu is a celebration of humanity in its purest form. It's an acknowledgment that while our paths may be diverse, our hearts beat with the same rhythm. As Mungi Ngomane beautifully articulates in "Everyday Ubuntu", embracing this philosophy isn't about negating individuality but realizing that our true potential, both as individuals and as a collective, is unlocked when we recognize, appreciate, and nurture the threads of commonality that bind us. 

As the world continues to evolve, the teachings of Ubuntu remain timeless, reminding us of the age-old wisdom that in unity lies strength, and in compassion lies the essence of being truly human. 

My aspiration in writing this book, SAPIENS REINVENTED: Saving the Species from a Deadly Evolutionary Flaw (Kipcart Studio, LLC.), is to serve as a spark for parents, teachers, and coaches to initiate a science-based training regimen for young people that can successfully modify our species propensity to use violence and aggression to resolve our differences. 
 
While human history has seen remarkable cultural, intellectual, and technological developments, it has also been continuously marked by unspeakable cruelty. Homo sapiens’ unwavering drive for self-preservation is at the root of this violence. In SAPIENS REINVENTED, I describe how humanity’s predisposition for aggression evolved and why it is a danger to our very existence. I provide a twenty-week training program that adults can use to help nurture more caring and empathetic youth.
 
Throughout the progression of evolution, mutations in the human brain have been heavily driven by two dominant forces: self-preservation and perpetuation of one’s progeny. This drive for survival has led to the rise of prejudice. When resources were scarce, distinguishing between ‘us” and ‘them’ was not just a sociocultural practice but a pivotal survival mechanism. Unfortunately, these evolutionary survival instincts have evolved into something much darker: the dehumanization of those seen as “the other.” It is this dehumanization that allows normal, average humans to commit acts of violence and aggression.
 
The solution is to cultivate a heightened awareness of these influences, which will pave the way for more informed and holistic moral judgments. Based on my decades of experience and research at the Human Performance Institute, I have developed a twenty-week training program that is detailed in the book, designed to override the survive-at-all-cost mandate, replacing it with kindness, compassion, empathy, and cooperation.  

Because childhood is the most fertile period for social and emotional learning, I developed this program to be administered by parents, teachers, and coaches. It is built around the three-step process required for lasting change:
 
•Creating a clear picture of the desired endgame
•Creating a clear picture of what the truth is now
•Creating a clear call to action to close the gap

While the human tendency toward aggression and violence may be embedded in our genetic code, there is hope. SAPIENS REINVENTED provides a remarkable toolbox for building a kinder and more empathetic human race.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Jim Loehr, author of SAPIENS REINVENTED, is a world-renowned performance psychologist and researcher whose ground-breaking, science-based energy management training system has achieved worldwide recognition. The author or co-author of seventeen other books, including the national bestseller The Power of Full Engagement, Dr. Loehr is also the retired chairman, CEO, and co-founder of the Human Performance Institute (HPI), prior to its acquisition by Johnson & Johnson. HPI is the pioneer in training programs designed to successfully leverage the science of energy management to improve the productivity and engagement levels of elite performers from the world of business, sport, medicine, and law enforcement, for sustained high performance. He holds a Master’s degree and a Doctorate in psychology, and is a full member of the American Psychological Association. 

Excerpted with permission from the publisher, Kipcart Studio,LLC, from Sapiens Reinvented: Saving the Species from a Deadluy Evolutionary Flaw by Jim Loehr. © Copyright 2023 by James E. Loehr. All rights reserved.