Ubuntu African Proverbs is a rare library of of shared ancestral wisdom and philosophy.
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Writer: Bruce Tumuhimbise
The truth is, many of us are looking for validation and approval of those closest to us on some level or another. This proverb teaches us about having knowledge about ourselves, our values and everything that is unique to us as this has a lot to do with who we are meant to be in life.
Who we are is not just limited to our culture, values and beliefs but also the self we decide to create. We are here to create. “If you have nothing at all to create, then perhaps you create yourself” Carl Jung. Begin with yourself and create your own self just as an artist creates a work of art. You do not just have to be who you are, you need to also think of something greater you might become. Something you can look at and be proud of.
When you know yourself, you don't buy into all the lies people label you with. What other people say about you doesn't matter anymore. You get to learn that what other people say is a reflection of who they are but not who you are. Toni Morrison wrote: “Definitions belong to the definers, not the defined.”
We need to differentiate our authentic values and interests from those we claim to, merely for reasons of social validation.
No good can ever come from deviating from who you are and who you are destined to be. If you deviate from that, you will be hit by hidden pain because this does not comply with something deep within you.
Don't let the society chose your life for you. Don't rest your feelings of self worth to the approval of others. Don't measure your entire worth with what others think of you.
Know yourself! Know your worth!