Our Philosophy
Our activities are based on Source Economics, a term coined by Darren Silver and Guillaume Taylor following their 2020 vision quest in an Oceanian sacred forest. Source Economics is defined as bringing economically influenced systems back to the essence of their original intent.
These systems have lost their original intent by become self-fulfilling and self-sufficient. This has consequently driven them to be disconnected from their core essence of Common Good across entire value chains, thus resulting in the creation of social and environmental fracture on a massive scale. Returning to their original intent (who they are serving, how and why) will naturally realign these systems to the notion of Common Good.
Our organisation’s name and soul is inspired by the original African term, our logo by the Baobab.
UMBUTU
I am because we are
The word Umbutu is born from an African concept of collective existence. It echoes the thought of acceptable ideas and deeds as a social and humanistic ethic. Umbutu represents the core values of kindness, humanity, compassion, life, reconciliation, and freedom. It relates to the bonding of others. Umbutu is about listening and recognizing others. It is not only a moral theory concerned with infusing humane dispositions but also one that embodies values, morals, and justice. Umbutu brings forward the human face to every aspect of life, as to be human is to recognize humanity in others. The interrelation of Umbutu and the Baobab: My happiness depends on yours, as we are interconnected.
The Baobab being such a majestic and spiritual symbol in Africa, and umbutu being the ethos of African society simply connected, as to best represent the core values of social economics with its interweaving in ethics, sustainable development, and eco-spirituality.
It all comes down to the three C’s of life: Choices, chances, changes…one must make a choice to take a chance to change our lives. Therefore, having strong roots, like the baobab and amplifying our connection to all life can aid us in promoting individual and societal well-being with umbutu, a collective existence.
BAOBAB
The tree of life
The baobab, otherwise known as the tree of life, is the largest succulent tree in the world and it predates mankind and the splitting of the continents over 200 million years ago. The baobab is the symbol of life and positivity in a landscape, and it plays a key role in the ecosystem. There is not one part of the plant that goes to waste. The baobab stands for strength, resilience, longevity, presence, grace, life, and positivity. It represents to its core roots resilience and sustainable innovation. It reminds us as humans to face our challenges with courage. To pay attention to the things that matter most in life: survival. It is a sign of magnificence of one’s authority and willingness to survive, reminding us to use this power for the purpose of a greater good, one greater than oneself. The baobab also co-exists with its people and is wild harvested. It is believed that the tree’s spirit guides its people in decision making.