By Ali Syarief
We have learned to soar through the skies, crossing the boundaries of clouds like free birds. We have conquered the seas, diving in silence like fish in the deep blue. Yet, as George Bernard Shaw aptly put it, there is one essential lesson we have yet to master—how to live on earth as human beings.
Living as a human being is not merely about physical existence; it is a philosophical journey that requires the recognition of humanitas—the ability to love, understand, and coexist in harmony. In ancient Greek philosophy, the term “oikeiosis” signifies a harmonious relationship between the individual and the surrounding world. Oikeiosis urges us not only to see the world through the lens of self-interest but to embrace universal values that transcend cultural, religious, and national boundaries.
Yet, our world is fractured by prejudice, polarization, and collective egoism. We are trapped within towering walls that divide one culture from another, one human from another. This is where cross-cultural approaches become indispensable—not just as tools for understanding but as bridges to collective awareness, reminding us that we are one species, one human family.
A cross-cultural approach is not merely about grasping languages or traditions. It embodies the spirit of ubuntu, an African philosophy meaning, “I am because we are.” Ubuntu teaches that our humanity is intertwined with the humanity of others. In other words, our identity is incomplete without acknowledging and respecting others’ existence.
We often assume technology is the ultimate solution in an increasingly interconnected world. But as a Zen proverb warns, “Sharpen a sword too much, and it will lose its edge.” Technology without cross-cultural wisdom will only deepen the chasm of differences rather than bridge it.
We need phronesis, the practical wisdom that integrates philosophical understanding with tangible action. In cross-cultural approaches, phronesis manifests through dialogue, empathy, and the willingness to listen without judgment. Only through these means can we overcome hubris, the arrogance that blinds us to the truth that diversity is a strength, not a threat.
George Bernard Shaw’s words remind us that true progress is not about the conquest of nature but about understanding and respecting our fellow human beings. Cross-cultural approaches are not optional; they are essential for living on Earth as complete human beings, not merely as masters of technology or conquerors of space and time.
Like flowers that grow from the same soil yet bloom in different colors and shapes, we are all born from the same earth. Only by embracing diversity and nurturing it with love can we truly call ourselves human—not just beings who live, but beings who give life.
