The Bright Side of Things #2
Accept "The Best Is yet to Come" Too Mean to Die, Nuclear Blast, 2021.
Time went by, and I got wiser
Loved and lost, along the way
I found the meaning of forgiveness
Pardoned enemies and prey
It was bright and sunny today but it was quite nippy. But there was something good about the day. I got an idea to start another newsletter that would be focused on the Iliad. Instead of it being a never ending series on NoBrow, it could just take on a life of its own somewhere else. I don’t know how I will manage to juggle both ‘projects’ but it would be fun to see. But I do sense the book gently dragging me towards certain possibilities that I can’t yet articulate. Now, where were we? Ah, yes, optimism. I was curious so I decided to check the etymology of optimism
I am struck by how the word "optimism" evolved during the 19th century, acquiring a slightly different meaning. It highlights how we humans are constantly involved in the process of meaning-making. What something should mean is constantly negotiated by different stakeholders. I am ambivalent about Emerson's take that good will ultimately prevail in the world. I suppose this represents optimism at its peak. It's hard to disagree with the idea because sometimes it proves true. There are instances in certain parts of the world where good doesn't eventually prevail, and instead, evil and decay dominate the landscape for decades. In such cases, finding solace in the knowledge that things will become better can really help you keep your wits about you. For this to be the case, you have to believe in the idea of progress, a good kind of progress, I would add, since not all progress is forward. Sometimes progress can be quite malignant. If you believe in the concept of progress, then you know people have to bring about the change in the world they want to see. If you're religious, you may hope that a divine being will intervene on your behalf. If things don't turn out as expected, perhaps this divine being is aligning circumstances in your favor over time. It's equivalent to the story in the Book of Genesis when Joseph's brothers assumed that he would harm them for the evil they had committed earlier. However, Joseph reassured them, saying, ‘‘As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.’’ Things turned out well for Joseph, but years later, a Pharaoh arose who did not know Joseph and enslaved the Israelites. You sense what I am trying to say here. When I write, my task is to sit with these ambiguities. Sometimes I attempt to resolve them for myself, but other times, I realize that multiple truths can coexist. I believe that the act of attempting to resolve is significant, as it reveals the nuanced nature of the world, which is far from being as simple as black and white. Now, I am eager to read Voltaire's Candide to explore how he satirizes the concept of optimism. I have a feeling I might agree with him, but we shall see.The song I mentioned in my previous post wasn't the only thing that inspired me to write this. I had a conversation with a friend earlier, and he told me something interesting. He said that when he went back to Nigeria, he noticed that people didn't seem as hopeful and carefree as before. To paraphrase him, it was like blood had drained out of their face, which really gave me chills. Nigerians are usually known for their positive outlook on life, maybe because we rely on our faith and believe that tomorrow will always be better than today. It's also related to a biblical idea called 'long-suffering,' where people who patiently endure tough times are rewarded with amazing blessings. We have this amazing ability to face the toughest challenges every day and still keep a smile on our faces. Even Fela, the pioneer of Afrobeats, expressed astonishment in his song 'Shuffering and Shmilling' at how Nigerians can endure the most intense suffering but still manage to remain jolly. Nigerians believe that upward mobility is possible even when faced with obvious obstacles. This feeling isn't necessarily naive, but it is backed by countless examples of people who, from humble beginnings, have pulled themselves up and made a name for themselves in different industries. My friend said he could only make out a look of intense hopelessness. Nigerians have always been aware that the promise of a guaranteed job after obtaining a degree was a scam. Why? Because many graduates are currently facing unemployment due to a lack of sufficient job opportunities. Fortunately, some individuals have managed to become entrepreneurs without any assistance from the government or financial institutions. We stopped believing that the government could do anything for its citizens, and in turn, that became a self-fulfilling prophecy. This indifference from both parties didn't start overnight. It's similar to the gradual disappearance of my hair—it starts slowly and then accelerates. The political elite didn't want citizens meddling in their affairs; instead, they aimed to make life so unbearable that people would feel insignificant in the face of an unconquerable machine. Surprisingly, many citizens have found ways to thrive.
I have a sense, although not with the certainty of a preacher, of where this overwhelming sense of hopelessness among Nigerians comes from. I remember reading a long time ago that depression is the inability to visualise a future. Today's Nigerian youth are not driven by the same ideals that motivated their parents or grandparents. The ways that used to work for the latter don't really cut it now. Yes, Nigeria is a country where churches are abundant, with an average of one church per street. However, I've always wondered why the church doesn't take on pressing issues that affect a large portion of the population. Instead, they create dependencies by giving alms to a few individuals, which doesn't lift them out of poverty but merely helps them survive. The church should redefine its role and address societal problems on a larger scale. I can't speak for the role of churches in other countries, but I'm specifically talking about Nigeria. It's not right to keep collecting tithes and offerings without making a significant impact on society as a whole. I'm not advocating for the elimination of churches, but I believe that if the government fails to take action, the church, with its “sovereign wealth funds” should step up and work towards solving societal issues. Pastors have exploited many people to enrich themselves. When both the government and the church disappoint and exploit, it's no wonder that one would feel hopeless and despondent. Let's set the church aside for a moment; I'll come back to that later. The last time the youth went out to demand reforms, they faced strong resistance, and unfortunately, things remained unchanged. The implicit message conveyed was that protests are futile. Moving forward a few more years, young people became incredibly hopeful about an alternative to the existing players, but once again, the powers that be decided to sabotage their efforts. They have been hit from all sides, and their resolve has waned. How can they maintain optimism in such circumstances? Now, I find myself unfortunate enough to sit in the front row and witness the same story unfold elsewhere. Oh well! C’est la vie [… to be continued]
Thanks for reading. If there's anything you'd like to chat about, or if you have any questions, feel free to shoot me an email. I'd love to hear from you. :)