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From Malidoma Some’s “Healing Wisdom of Africa”
“The west defines genius as a great intelligence, or an exceptional talent. I don’t reject that definition. But it is different from the indigenous definition, which sees genius as an open line that flows through a person from the other world. It seems to me that limiting the meaning of genius to intelligence or talent displaces it from its real source and privatizes it in the individual. If genius has no grounding in the sacred, then it becomes easy for the community to ignore it if it chooses. In the traditional context, the community does not have a choice. The community is obligated to awaken the newcomers genius, and the ritual welcoming of the newborn into the world is the communities official acceptance of this responsibility.”
5 Comments-
This concept is very new to me, as I am a misplaced African born and live in the United State of Asses. (My lil coined name.) What is this literally called if it is something the community is aware of happening? I guess this might be where Bible writers got the concept that Moses was a special child at birth. I never understood that verse, but now that I know that most all of that book comes from African Spirituality, I think this genius thing is where Moses birth comes. How can one tell if a person is genus at birth? Direct me to a book, please.
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Janice, Nana Some’s definition of genius is spot on. An example of this genius flow that sometimes gets blocked is when writers say they have “writer’s block.” To reopen the blockage, a writer has to close their laptop and take a walk or time away to regroup. I’ve never seen genius from that perspective, but it now gives me an idea of how to care for myself and be an asset to others in similar situations.
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Sorry you did list the book. Thank.
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@Tekamenin Quite a good quote that highlights the beautiful difference between Afrikan world view vrs others. I noticed you post a lot of proverbs and quotes some derived from non-english languages. Have you come across a Wolof proverb or wisdom literature by chance?
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Sankofa, my apologies for the delayed response. I have not come across a Wolof proverb book but i’ll keep my eyes open for one. Meda ase!
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