Mind Restructuring: Engaging In Hard And Solid Thinking -By Richard Odusanya

Fear is the enemy of eminence, a weapon of distraction and an instrument of coercion in the hands of the aggressors. Fear is a spirit, it limits and subdue our potentials. It is a weapon of subjugation particularly in the hands of dictators. Fearlessness is the foundation of sound mind and solid character leading to great thinking.

Franklin D Roosevelt, a fearless leader, philosopher and former president of the United States of America, succinctly captured the whole essence of fearlessness, he posited thus: “So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is…. fear itself– nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.”-

Franklin D Roosevelt, position validates the Romania’s legendary gymnast, Nadia Comaneci, she was innovative as she was technical, once in action. On the beam, she was the first gymnast to perform an aerial walk-over and an aerial cartwheel-back- she begin to make history at age fourteen. Nadia once said: “I don’t run away from challenge because I am afraid. Instead, I run toward it because the only way to escape fear is to trample it beneath your feet.” Again fearlessness leading to great thinking that resulted in underlayment for accomplishment.

Still on the subject of cognitive perspective on fear. In the late 70s and the early part of the 80s, as a teenager, I had a great deal of admiration for Chief James Ajibola Ige ( Cicero), some people calls him “uncle Bola” I refer to him as the ‘arole awolowo’ he was cerebral, intellectually mobile and courageous inside out. Uncle Bola, was a mentor and a great inspiration to some of us in the neighborhood then at Oke-ado Ibadan; the great Cicero, thought me the virtues of fearlessness, he once said: “I don’t run away from challenges”- this was shortly before he became the governor of the old Oyo state; again during the 1981 ogunpa flood disaster, he made a profound statement, he said–“My people will not be victims of charity.” meaning that, he will do everything possible to protect the victims of the flood disaster– these were part of the memories and quotes from Cicero that underscores the same virtuosity.

That was an era of leadership that engaged in hard and solid thinking, they think through issues properly as it effects the well being of the people; they are connected with the reality as well as the feelings of the people, unlike majority of today’s public office holders, who’s only identity is unknown “LOOTING BRIGADE” completely disconnected from reality and the people. They are mostly “belle face front” apology to Reuben Abati. Again lack of proper understanding of the values of engaging in the thinking process.

Michael Faraday is probably best known for his discovery of electromagnetic induction, his contributions to electrical engineering and electrochemistry or due to the fact that he was responsible for introducing the concept of field in physics to describe electromagnetic interaction. Again solid and hard thinking effects. It has become imperative that we engage with the mind of solid and hard thinking; we should redirect our mindsets towards more productive ventures; we must not allow our offsprings to see the types of questionable characters in our society as role model; the types of the show of shame in the small town of Oba must be reprimanded; we need to discourage the kind of engagement and TV show that are of no value mentally.

Michael Faraday’s discovery is basically the function of resilience, solid character and hard thinking. This is the fundamentals existential of life and the function of resilience, solid and hard thinking. It also brings us to the fact that, only a few people who understands the value of solid and hard thinking succeeded in life as creative minds, it is most likely that only 5% of the entire population of the world are in such category, the rest 25% and the majority of the last 70% are either watch men or know nothing about invention and existential issues.

Engaging the principle of solid and hard thinking, will successfully redirect the minds of our youths in particular, from “yahoo yahoo” ostentatious lifestyles, to a rejuvenated productive ventures. They must not be allowed to see the “HUSHPUPPI” the recent indiscretion in Oba, and other profligacy in the society as the yardstick of success. Nigeria will rise again.

ARISE ‘O COMPATRIOTS

Richard Odusanya is a Social Reform Crusader and the convener of AFRICA COVENANT RESCUE INITIATIVE ACRI.