A story reflecting on shared fate

Awidely circulated story tells of an anthropologist who invited children froman African tribe to play a game. He placed a basket of fruit near a tree and addressed the children: “The one who reaches the tree first will be rewarded with all sweet fruits.” When he signaled to start the race, the children locked their hands tightly and ran together, and then they all sat together and enjoyed the delicious fruit.

The astonished anthropologist asked the children why they all ran together, because each of them could enjoy the fruit for himself or herself. To which the children replied: “Obonato.”

“Obonato,” or “Ubuntu,” in their language means: “I exist becausewe exist.” Is it possible for one to be happy if everyone else is sad?