Know Thyself.

Last week I dropped a bomb that seemed to angle towards perfection, but that’s not what I’m telling you to chase.

Imagine a young biochemist named Hamzat, living a life of seclusion, quasi-perfection, striving towards purpose, and his drive to become the best biochemist of all time.

Hamzat does not consider the outside world, nor fun, or a night out with friends, or even sitting out on a verandah at midnight, sharing suya with a loved one.

He instead focuses on his goal and bends his back into the books he reads under a night lantern.

One day, after achieving all the excellence deserved by his craft, he steps into the world and is amazed by its beauty.

So much fun, so much dancing, laughing, loving, hugging.

So much of all the grand slam pleasures.

He dives into them, and questions why his thirst for books was so dull and unforgiving.

Why nothing in them had told him of the real joys of life.

He enjoys and enjoys, becomes prodigal, and soon becomes numb.

He cannot do without enjoyment, but in his mind, there is a yearning for something more fulfilling.

Something he had forgotten so near to him.

But,

“Know Thyself”

An old messenger whispers in his ears.

We are not placed on earth to live a pre-documented life, down to the color of toothbrush we like buying.

We are placed on earth, with free will in our hands, as far as the society we live in allows it.

So we must experience sweetness, clench our teeth through the bad seasons, but we must also make sure not to self-sabotage.

Asking yourself “Am I the end?” is wise.

When you are losing sight, remember if it’s what your heart truly wants.

Who do you say you are when your friends are not influencing your decisions?

Do you like ball or play because of another’s expectations?

Do you like the clubs, the loud music it jams, or the sipping away of alcohol till morning time?

Or you’re the video game type, who’d rather spend three days breaking new records?

I had a primary school teacher who said, “Learn one new thing every day.” But I am giving you my version:

“Do one thing per day for the sake of your growth.”

If you succeed in this, you’ll be feeding one of the wolves within you.

And you will be doing so every day, even if you also feed the wolf that chases after pleasure.”

With love, I come to you again this Saturday.

Enjoy your weekend.