“Ọmọdé tí ò bá dóko bàbá ẹlòmíì rí á ní pé oko baba tòhún ló tóbi jù lọ.”
The Yorùbá adage above, when loosely translated to English, means “a child that has never visited another man's farm regard his father's farm as the biggest in the land." This aphorism portrays how the Yoruba people frown on arrogance, egocentrism, chauvinism, racism and other forms of superiority complex.
This is the thesis which the late Professor Sophie Bọ́sẹ̀dé Olúwọlé, the first Nigeria woman to bag a PhD in philosophy, proved with this masterpiece. In this thought-provoking book, the late Professor Olúwọlé challenges the notion that ancient Africans lacked philosophical traditions. Drawing on the Yoruba adage that cautions against arrogance and superiority complex, she explores the deep-rooted philosophical concepts developed by ancient Africans.
Through a comparative analysis of Western philosophy and Afrikan philosophy, She examines the ideas, beliefs, and thoughts of two influential thinkers: Socrates and Ọ̀rúnmìlà. Socrates is an ancient Greek philosopher born in Athens around 470 BCE, is renowned as a foundational figure in Western philosophy. Despite leaving no written records of his own, his profound impact is captured through the dialogues penned by his student, Plato. Socrates' method of questioning, known as the Socratic method, sought to stimulate critical thinking and self-discovery. His relentless pursuit of truth, ethical considerations, and disdain for written doctrines distinguished him in an era dominated by dogma. Facing trial and ultimately sentenced to death in 399 BCE for challenging societal norms, Socrates' legacy endures as a symbol of intellectual courage and the enduring quest for wisdom. Ọ̀rúnmìlà Bara Agbonmiregun, a revered figure in Yoruba mythology, holds a central role as the Òrìṣà of wisdom, knowledge, and divination. Orunmila is often depicted as a sagacious and benevolent force in Yoruba cosmology. His oríkì in ifá verses portrayed him as a polymath during his tíme on Earth. It was said that he knows a lot about many things. And in order to transfer this knowledge to the incoming generation, he invented Ifá divination system, a sacred practice that guides individuals in making decisions and understanding the complexities of life. Orunmila's teachings emphasize ethical conduct, foresight, and the interconnectedness of all beings. As the "Orisha of Wisdom," Orunmila occupies a crucial place in Yoruba spirituality, embodying the profound pursuit of knowledge and the intricate patterns woven into the fabric of existence.
In this 218-page treatise, the reader will discover both the similarities and differences in their perspectives. Aside the “parallels in the lives and times” of the duo, they share viewpoints on topics such as the fear of death, the belief in a higher wisdom, and the philosophy of virtue. However, they diverge in their thoughts on political rights, the nature of good and evil, the concept of reality, and the nature of knowledge.
By bridging the gap between ignorance and knowledge, this book aims to dispel misconceptions about African philosophical traditions. It explores Socrates' disciples/contemporaries' writings alongside the Ifa corpus to offer a comprehensive understanding.
Academics, researchers, and students in fields such as Interreligious Studies, intercultural and comparative philosophy, and Yoruba studies will find this book invaluable. It is dedicated to those who seek factual knowledge over fiction.
Below is a video of a discussion on the book in one of Professor Olúwọlé’s interviews with the renowned film maker, Mr. Tunde Kelani.
.
One of my favorite books! Your review should be the official one.