Among the tribes of northern Natal in South Africa, the most common greeting, equivalent to “hello” in English, is the expression: Sawu bona. It literally means, “I see you.” If you are a member of the tribe, you might reply by saying Sikhona, “I am here.” The order of the exchange is important: until you see me, I do not exist. It’s as if, when you see me, you bring me into existence.
The passage goes on to quote the Zulu saying that literally translates as: “A person is a person because of other people.”
The authors then go on to acknowledge the contributions of those working to build learning organizations” and offers the reader this welcome:
We see you. We are glad you are here.
___________________________________________________________________
Quoted from the introduction to The Fifth Discipline Fieldbook,
by Peter M. Senge, Art Kleiner, Charlotte Roberts, Richard B. Ross and Bryan J. Smith.
Nicholas Brealey Publishing, London, 1995 edition.
Buy the book, they seem really nice folk!
skip to main |
skip to sidebar
Exploring contradictions in hungering after success, happiness & flow
About Me
- flow-wolf
- Like many, I struggle to balance work, family, my ego and a dormant spirituality. Here I document my musings and explore the contradictions inherent in hungering after flow.
Recommended Reading
Categories
- observations (25)
- flow-makers (13)
- flow-busters (12)
- foundations (9)
- Management (3)
- backstory (3)
Posts
