From time past, through the chronicles of human history, there have been numerous movements, ideologies, and principles that have sought to inspire positive change, unity, and progress. One such principle that has withstood the test of time and continues to resonate with people across the globe is the simple yet profound concept of ‘EACH ONE TEACH ONE.’ This timeless wisdom, which emphasizes the power of sharing and nurturing a sense of benevolence, has its roots in humanity’s innate desire for well-being and growth.
The Origin of ‘EACH ONE TEACH ONE’
To truly understand the essence of ‘EACH ONE TEACH ONE,’ we must delve into its historical origins. The coinage first found it’s origin in the United States, during the time of slavery when blacks were disallowed every access to education and any chance to learn how to read and write. Notwithstanding the deliberate eclipsing of the Black slaves from education, a few oddities arose as a few number of Black slaves managed, through means known to them alone, to learn the then-secret of reading and writing. When an unbeknownst learnt how to read and write, it behooved on this literate Black slave to teach another slave the secret of reading and writing, and so on and on.
However, this principle found later prominence in the inspiring Afro-cultural movement of ‘The ‘5 Percenters’ – a group that played a significant role in shaping this ideology.
‘The 5 Percenters,’ also known as the Nation of Gods and Earths, emerged in the early 1960s in New York City’s Harlem neighborhood. Founded by Clarence 13X, a former member of the Nation of Islam, this movement sought to empower African-American youths with knowledge of self, history, and a profound understanding of their place in the world. Clarence 13X was born Clarence Smith but he later changed his last name to 13X after joining The Nation of Islam, The term ‘5 Percenters’ referred to the belief that only 5% of humanity possessed true knowledge and enlightenment, while the remaining 85% were ignorant and always manipulated by the remaining 10% who comprised those who wielded power and mind-controlled the 85% masses.
The ‘EACH ONE TEACH ONE‘ principle was embraced by the 5 Percenters as a means to uplift and educate their community. They recognized that knowledge was a powerful tool for self-awareness, self-improvement, and overall empowerment. In this context, ‘EACH ONE TEACH ONE‘ became a rallying cry, encouraging members to share their newfound knowledge and wisdom with others, thereby disintegrating the cycle of ignorance and oppression.
The Essence of ‘EACH ONE TEACH ONE’
At its core, ‘EACH ONE TEACH ONE‘ is a reflection of the universal spirit of benevolence that resides within every individual. It is a call to action that transcends borders, cultures, and backgrounds. This principle encapsulates the idea that knowledge is not meant to be hoarded or kept within closed circles but should be shared freely, without reservation and through this spreading knowledge stratagem, the world would be a better place.
Human beings, when free from the constraints of ego and self-interest, possess an innate desire for the well-being of others. This desire is most evident in our early years, during childhood, when the ego is still incubating. As children, we are naturally inclined toward acts of kindness, fairness, and sharing. We revel in the joy of seeing everyone succeed and happy, and we have an aversion to witnessing anyone’s failure.
In many ways, ‘EACH ONE TEACH ONE‘ harkens back to these pure and selfless instincts that we all once possessed as children. It taps into the spring of empathy that flows within us, encouraging us to uplift and support one another in our journeys and struggles toward personal growth and enlightenment.
The Advantages of Universal Application
The universal application of the ‘EACH ONE TEACH ONE‘ principle brings forth numerous advantages that extend far beyond individual growth. Let’s explore some of these advantages:
- Collective Progress: When knowledge is freely shared, society as a whole benefits. Each individual’s growth contributes to the collective progress of the whole community, leading to advancements and developments in various fields and fostering a culture of innovation.
- Reduced Inequality: Sharing knowledge helps bridge the gap between ends and extremes. There no longer exists any privileged or marginalized- everyone through this, becomes equal. It provides access to opportunities and resources that might otherwise remain exclusive to a select few.
- Cultural Preservation: Knowledge-sharing preserves cultural heritage and traditions. It ensures that noteworthy values, practices, norms, customs, and wisdom are passed down from one generation to the next.
- Empowerment: The ‘EACH ONE TEACH ONE‘ principle, as championed especially by the 5 Percenters, empowered individuals to take control of their lives. It instilled a sense of self-reliance and self-determination, allowing people to make informed decisions and effectively navigate the sail of their lives.
- Fostering Unity: Without doubt, by encouraging people to support one another, ‘EACH ONE TEACH ONE‘ promotes unity and cooperation within communities. It strengthens social bonds and builds a sense of belonging.
A Special Dedication to YouTube
In the digital age, one platform has taken the ‘EACH ONE TEACH ONE‘ principle to new heights, making knowledge accessible to millions around the world. That platform is YouTube.
YouTube has revolutionized the way we access information and learn. It has democratized knowledge-sharing, allowing anyone with an internet connection to become a teacher and a learner simultaneously. It has broken down the barriers of traditional education and empowered individuals to share their expertise, experiences, and insights with a global audience.
I dedicate this article to YouTube, the digital app that has provided the platform for the manifestation of the ‘EACH ONE TEACH ONE‘ principle on an unprecedented scale. YouTube has not only made education and knowledge-sharing accessible but has also connected people from diverse backgrounds, fostering a global community of learners and teachers.
Appreciation for YouTube’s Founders
A heartfelt appreciation goes to the founders of YouTube, Chad Hurley, Steve Chen, and Jawed Karim. Their vision and innovation paved the way for a digital revolution in knowledge-sharing. By creating a user-friendly platform where anyone could upload and access videos, they transformed the way we learn and interact with information.
YouTube’s founders recognized this universal mandate and consequently made provision for ‘EACH ONE TEACH ONE‘ to thrive in the digital age. They provided the tools and infrastructure necessary for content creators to reach a global audience, facilitating the exchange of ideas and expertise on an unprecedented scale.
Appreciation for Content Creators
Although the architecture was well set up, YouTube’s success would be incomplete without the effort and diligence of the dedicated content creators who breathe life into the soul of this wonder. Through YouTube, the ‘EACH ONE TEACH ONE‘ principle breathes life every day. These individuals, from all corners of the world, have embraced their knowledge-sharing roles as educators, entertainers, and mentors. They have taken it upon themselves to share their knowledge, skills, and experiences with a vast and diverse audience.
Content creators on YouTube encompass a wide range of fields, from science and technology to arts and culture, from fitness and wellness to personal development, even comedy. They inspire, inform, entertain and ignite curiosity in their viewers. Their commitment to sharing knowledge is a testament to the enduring power of this universal Logos, ‘EACH ONE TEACH ONE’.
In many ways, YouTube content creators embody the essence of ‘EACH ONE TEACH ONE.’ They not only contribute to the intellectual and personal growth of their viewers but also foster a sense of community and connection in the digital realm.
“EACH ONE TEACH ONE”: A Divine Mandate
‘EACH ONE TEACH ONE‘ is a universal principle that transcends time, culture, and geography. Since creation, after The Creator created a woman to complement man, the architecture of humanity has intrinsically anchored on human symbiosis This Divine Logos reflects our inherent desire for the well-being and growth of others, otherwise, ‘the Common Good’, and reverberates in the human soul through all ages to join in and partake in this Divine mandate to share knowledge freely and generously. This celestial insignia has the power to uplift individuals and entire communities, leading to collective progress and unity.
YouTube, with its vast and diverse community of content creators, has become a beacon of ‘EACH ONE TEACH ONE‘ in the digital age. It has levitated humanity through horizons once untraveled- it has satisfied curiosities, saved lives, provided solutions, illuminated minds, and corrected the misinformed whatnot.
As hunger is filled with food, loneliness with love and companionship, so is ignorance filled with knowledge. The Divine mandate of ‘EACH ONE TEACH ONE‘ so verily corresponds to the Great Commission mandated by the Great Master, Jesus of Nazareth, “….Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of The Father and of The Son and of The Holy Spirit and teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you…” Just by this mandate, Christianity has spread this far and this wide.
Who can measure the momentum that this Divine edict gains? “EACH ONE TEACH ONE”. All religions are but empirical testaments of the verve of this Divine Logos. As this celestial call echoes through all humanity, though not all may hearken, let us tread the heels and walk the path of heroes, now and before us, who unwaveringly hearkened to the whistle of this Divine mandate, loving, sharing, touching lives and illuminating the soul of the world.
Goodspeed Meze