Entry 5: "Self-Actualization & Communal Responsibility"

Last Wednesday, during freshman seminar, Dr. Segun Gbadegesin gave a compelling presentation about “Self-Actualization & Communal Responsibility.” He started his presentation by paying homage to his creator, ancestors, the class of 2014, and Ayan (drummer). He explained that there are physical, spiritual, and philosophical ties binding Ancient Egypt and the African World. He then captured our attention with the “Story of Iwa,” a great example of the importance of character. Orunmila, the Yoruba God of Wisdom, marries Iwa (means “existence/character”) and her father is Suuru (means “patience”). Well Orumila lost patience with Iwa and mistreated her so, she left him. This well-to-do man, Orunmila, had many issues in his life after she left him; he lost everything he had. In desperation, he went searching for Iwa, because he could not survive in a world without her. The moral of the story was that you can never lose Iwa (character), because without her you cannot exist. Who are we without character? Nothing. A famous quote said, “Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become character. Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.” Good character is equated to beauty in the African World. Your character defines your future, so you have if you have control of your thoughts you can determine what kind of future you will have, because you don’t want to be like Orunmilo trying to search for Iwa. We are responsible for ourselves.