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Life orientation

Grade 8

Social development and career orientation

Module 22

Human beings do not live in isolation

Activity:

To explain that human beings do not live in isolation and without having some impact on someone or something else

[lo 2.3]

John Donne, a famous poet, wrote: "No man is an island." What did this man, who lived from 1572 to 1613, actually try to say? Your language educator might be able to clarify it better, but we can think of a couple of possible interpretations.

"No man is an island" may mean that there is no one on whom some other person cannot have an impact. Think for a moment about other people who have had an influence on your life and feelings. You might be aware of current world news and tendencies. You are not like an island that is isolated from everything else and you are not altogether self-sufficient.

The quotation could also mean that each person has an influence on the people and environment that surrounds him or her. When someone carelessly drops a cigarette in dry grasses, his action might result in a veldt fire that destroys nature and homes. Reckless driving might destroy a whole family. This affects the victims' lives and the lives of their extended family. Think of Mother Theresa and the mass of suffering and starving people whom she served. Think of Nelson Mandela, probably one of the best known people of all times. Millions of people are trying to follow his example. Through this example, he has an influence on other people.

What would you like to leave behind one day? How would you like to be remembered?

Answer the following questions:

1. Explain "No man is an island" in your own words.

2. The well-known concept of “ubuntu” exists in South Africa. How would you explain it to someone who has not heard of it before?

3. We have also heard the expression "kamala(h)" from a friend in the Bo-Kiap. Do you know what it means?

4. Do the above-mentioned concepts have anything in common? Discuss this briefly in your groups.

Now read on

We have established that people influence one another and that there is interaction between people and the environment.

What is the difference between the natural environment and the manmade environment? The city is an example of a manmade environment and a natural forest with its animals is part of the natural environment.

Answer the following:

5. Consider the following carefully. Provide examples from the natural environment where you live or go to school (is a park natural or manmade?). Explain why you might regard an area as natural.

Read further

People primarily live in a manmade environment. Although there are people who live in untouched forests, people hardly ever live altogether on their own in nature. Those that do so are hermits.

Assessment

Learning outcomes (LOs)
LO 1
Promotion of Health The learner is able to make informed decisions concerning personal, community and environmental health.
Assessment standards (ASs)
We know this when the learner:
1.1 plans an action in which laws and/or policies for protecting environmental health are applied to address an environmental health issue;
1.2 critically analyses the causes of common diseases in relation to socio-economic and environmental factors;
1.4 indicates that he/she is able to take responsible and informed decisions on personal and environmental safety; and;1.5 examines a health and safety issue related to violence, and proposes alternatives to violence as well as counter-strategies.
LO 2
Social Development The learner is able to demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to constitutional rights and responsibilities, and to show an understanding of diverse cultures and religions.
We know this when the learner:
2.1 discusses the violation of human rights and plans counter strategies;
2.2 explains how democratic processes can be employed to deal with local problems;
2.3 discusses how he / she would promote nation building in different contexts;
2.4 critically evaluates changes in cultural norms and values in terms of personal and community issues; and
2.5 is able to discuss the contributions made to social development by organisations from within different religions.
LO 5
Orientation with Regard to the World of Work The learner will be able to make informed decisions about further study and career choices.
We know this when the learner:
5.1 identifies and discusses career and study choices and their corresponding requirements;5.2 investigates career and study opportunities related to own interests and abilities.

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Source:  OpenStax, Life orientation grade 8. OpenStax CNX. Sep 12, 2009 Download for free at http://cnx.org/content/col11048/1.1
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