The prototype Periclean? Thoughts on Nelson Mandela and the concept of ubuntu

“We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right.” 

–Nelson Mandela

 

The prototype Periclean?   Thoughts on Nelson Mandela and the concept of ubuntu

I spend a great deal of time thinking about what it means to be a Periclean Scholar and with the recent passing of Nelson Mandela I offer the thought that he was the prototype Periclean.   ‘Madiba’, as he was affectionately known by those close to him, was a person of humility, strength, passion and vision who embodied the spirit of ubuntu.  We can do no better than to seek what he sought.

In the video below hear him explain ubuntu.

As I reflect on Mandela’s life and legacy in the context of our program the Periclean Pledge comes to mind:

We pledge to…

  • Listen to our partnering communities, acknowledging they often have the best solutions to local problems.
  • Learn about our partner communities’ history and traditions, to better engage in culturally-aware dialogue.
  • Assist our partners in community-run development projects that will enable their long-term success.
  • Responsibly study, document, and publicize our partner communities’ needs and desires.
  • Be committed to building life long sustainable partnerships, recognizing they take hard work and dedication.
  • Embrace our lifelong journey of global citizenship through intellectual and personal growth.

Each Class of Pericleans has a responsibility to revisit the words in this pledge and to make sure that all of their actions reflect the sentiment in these lines.  Perhaps also we need to measure our actions again the philosophy of ubuntu as well.

Best,

~da

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