South Africa's Tao Te Ching: A Journey Into The Soul Of A Nation

By Chris Kanyane

Forget the usual stereotypes. South Africa is more than just stunning landscapes and diverse cultures. It's a nation with a unique Tao, a vibrant essence that pulsates with the rhythm of its history.

This book delves deep into the heart of South Africa, revealing the philosophy that shapes its character. It's not just "African"; it's a universal country captivating blend of ancient African traditions, European and Asian influences, and a modern, global spirit.

• Language: English
• Publisher: South Africa National Library Online
• Release date: May 8, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224701452

Chris Kanyane

The author first met Barack Obama close and personal in the majestic Kenya; both chatted and enjoyed lunched together. He is a global researcher and member of the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa. He is also the president and cofounder of the global Moving Forward!

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South Africa's Tao Te Ching: A Journey Into The Soul Of A Nation

By

Chris Kanyane

South Africa National Library Online

Copyright © 2024 by Jeremy Johnson

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All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

THE WAY OF THE TAO FOR SOUTH AFRICA

SOUTH AFRICA: A LAND OF CONVERGING HISTORIES

THE HUMAN RACE AND SOCIETY OF HUMAN RACE

THE GREAT HUMAN STORY OF THE GREATEST AND OLDEST HUMANS: THE BUSHMAN, MY OWN PEOPLE

THE FREEDOM CHARTER THROUGH THE LIFE OF RUTH FIRST

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF RUTH FIRST’S BOOK: THE BARREL OF THE GUN

FINAL THOUGHTS

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THE WAY OF THE TAO FOR SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa's Tao Te Ching. The concept of Tao Te Ching is about a way of life. By choosing this title, we aim to reveal the essence - the natural way of life in South Africa. We discover that South Africa, in its character and history, is not an African country, but rather an eclectic country that resonates with universal undertones. This is its Tao.

This book argues that South Africa cannot be cocooned as a peer with other African countries; to aspire to that myopic notion is to distort its destiny.

South Africa's geographical position has made it a historical crossroads. From the earliest Khoisan inhabitants to Dutch settlers, Malay traders, and Indian indentured laborers, each group has left its indelible mark. This rich tapestry is further woven with the long struggles and triumphs of the Africans within it, and the Khoisan people, known in history as the Bushmen. The Bushmen are the bedrock of South Africa – the original natives.

The Khoisan click language, the oldest on Earth, echoes alongside Afrikaans, English, and the melody of countless other tongues. This symphony of voices is South Africa's true strength.

Those who see South Africa through a narrow African lens (yapping that it is African) miss the point entirely. This nation isn't content to be part of Africa or be African. It aspires to be a global leader, a universal country, and a beacon of universal unity and universal progress. 

This is the essence of South Africa's Tao, a nation that transcends labels and embraces its unique path towards global leadership and universal progress. We'll delve deeper into this concept.

The Tao, an ancient Chinese concept, refers to the natural way or underlying order of the universe. Te, on the other hand, signifies the inherent excellence or virtue that arises from living in harmony with the Tao.

This excellence is intrinsic, not something achieved through artificial means or external pressures. It's a concealed power that unfolds naturally. Finally, Ching simply translates to classic book, making the entire title Tao Te Ching mean "The old way or the original way or the natural way of looking at a thing.

South Africa's history is marked by the convergence and interaction of people from all corners of the globe. This rich tapestry of cultures has been a defining characteristic for centuries.

However, the Apartheid era cast a shadow on this welcoming tradition. Thankfully, with the dismantling of Apartheid, South Africa has re-embraced its essence as a nation that celebrates diversity and inclusivity.

South Africa explodes onto the world stage, a vibrant phoenix rising from the ashes of misunderstandings and conflict. It defies singular definition, much like the Hellenistic Age, that age 300 years before Christ was born, that transcended mere Greek, Roman, Persian, or Eastern tribal identity. South Africa isn't simply African or European; it's a global gumbo, a delectable stew simmered with the essence of humanity.

Did you know South Africa's coat of arms? South Africa is a true rainbow nation, and its motto reflects that! Instead of a stuffy old language, it uses a special clicky tongue called !ke e: /xarra //ke: This comes from the ancient Khoisan language, spoken by the indigenous people of South Africa.

The Khoisan are historically referred to as Bushmen, but this term is no longer widely used. Did you know the Khoisan language is famous for its unique 'clicky' sounds?

It's one of the oldest languages in the world! Google the coat of arms and take a closer look, and you'll see two human figures in the center. These figures aren't just standing there; they're reaching out in a warm greeting.

This warm greeting reveals several things about South Africa's vision for itself. The aspiration for a strong community of divergent people. It goes beyond just being a collection of