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Brother Jermaine’s post on the Kemetic definition of wisdom inspired this post. In the Akan language, “nyansa” is the word for wisdom, and according to Nana Kwasi Konadu, it could be defined as “to obtain that which never finishes.” From the proverb book Bu Me Bɛ by Peggy Appiah, here are some characteristics of the wise person or Onyansafoɔ:
1. Onyansafoɔ na ɔtwa akwammeɛ. It is a wise person who cuts the roots across the path.
– The Onyansafoɔ tackles issues by identifying and eliminating their root causes.
2. Onyansafoɔ na ɔwɛn ɔhene yere panin. It is a wise person who keeps watch on the chief’s senior wife.
– The wise person is entrusted with significant tasks and values relationships.
3. Onyansafoɔ ne deɛ ɔwɔ aboterɛ ne ɛntoboaseɛ. A wise person is good-tempered and slow to anger.
– Just as it says, a wise person is patient and even-tempered.
4. Onyansafoɔ na asɛm to ne fie a, ɔbɔ no pɔ. When trouble is in a wise person’s house, he/she ties it into a knot.
– Resourceful, strategic, and a problem solver. The wise person doesn’t run from problems but ties it up.
5. Onyansafoɔ na ɔkɔm. It is a wise person who foresees the future.
– Deep thinking and reflections offer insight into the future. The wise person can transform this vision into a plan and execute it effectively.
6. Onyansafoɔ na ɔyi ne ho ayiduane. A wise man isolates himself.
– The wise person maintains a distance from others, avoiding gossip and daily foolishness that waste time and taints the self.
7. Onyansafoɔ kasa tiawa. The wise person speaks shortly.
– The wise person can get to the heart of the matter without talking too much.
