Character is Everything

Dr. G’s lecture definitely hit many interesting and enlightening points. He opened my eyes to new concepts and made me reflect on what more I could do to transform and develop more knowledge on particular subjects. I really enjoyed hearing him speak on how to transform and advance old, misconstrued knowledge, build your character, and give Ijuba to those in the past. He proved that concepts people hold such as, “Africans have no history” or “There is no Black philosophy” are completely incorrect because we have history of philosophy that dates even before the Bible and Christ. The Goddess Ma’at and the Principles of Ma’at are just two examples of the beliefs and structure the Ancient Egyptians held as a form of detailed philosophy. It’s sad to know so many people go through life ignorant to the fact that they hold false knowledge of our history whether by choice or due to circumstances. I loved when Dr. G explained the difference between knowledge, to be able to acquire information, and wisdom, to have the knowledge and apply it to life. Wisdom is what we should all strive for as he stated that knowledge alone is not enough.

Having wisdom in life would also help to build your character which is the most important asset to being a human being. Dr. G spoke a lot about how essential it is to have good character; to lose your character is to lose yourself. Omoluabi is a term which refers to “A person of character, disciplined, and self-improving, thus earning the respect of peers and community…” This term is also related to Iwa, the general idea of good existence and character. “Honor may vanish from your house, Cosmetic beauty may fade, Iwa is what endures even into the grave, Take care of your iwa.” This quote stresses the importance of good character and I think it is one to remember always.

A final point he made was in relation to paying Ijuba, homage, to those who came before us and for all that we have. It is another way of giving thanks for everything we have been given and acknowledging that we are here on this earth because of ancestors so we should also acknowledge that. We should also give homage to ourselves and those surrounding us who may help in everyday life. Overall I found Dr. G’s lecture to be very enlightening and I enjoyed getting further knowledge on subjects that are rarely ever touched in history books and in classrooms.