Self-Actualization and Our Communal Responsibility

This week’s freshman seminar class featured Dr. Segun Gbedegesin as the guest speaker. He spoke to the freshman about self-actualization and our communal responsibility. Three key things from the lecture were what it really means to have wisdom, the story of Iwa, and the concept of omoluabi.  All of these concepts point to the significance of having an education.

                Dr. G explained that having wisdom is more than just having knowledge. He broke it down into three parts. Having knowledge alone is not enough because having knowledge basically just knows things without knowing their supporting reasons.  He then said an intellectual person has knowledge and appreciates it, but lacks the skills to apply it. A person with wisdom has knowledge and is able to use it to benefit him and others. This resonated with me because it’s the whole point of being in college. College gives the knowledge and the social skills needed to apply what you learn in the real world. This will ultimately help you and others.

                Another important part of the lecture was the section on Iwa. Iwa represents the good in existence Iwa also signifies having beauty character.  We gain character through education.   If we learn to embrace education we will then have a more beautiful character.  A man with good character is a man of wealth, and is the essence of religion.  The educated people are the ones with power. This is important because by going to college I am improving my character.

                The last important section was the concept of Omoluabi. The purpose of college is to become an Omoluabi. An Omoluabi is a “person of character, disciplined, and self-improving, thus earning the respect of peers and community on account of practical wisdom, putting knowledge acquired through education to the service of the community, and not shying away from personal sacrifices when needed.”  People who successfully complete college are disciplined and have the respect of their peers. This is proven by a college degree in itself. The college experience enriches a person, and helps them prepare me for the real world.

                Dr G’s lecture about self-actualization and our communal responsibility highlighted the importance of education and college. College enhances one’s Iwa, gives them wisdom, and transforms the person into an Omoluabi.

Works Cited

Gbedegesin, Segun . "Self-Actualization and Our Communal Responsibility." Just Hall, Howard University. Washington D.C, 7 Sep. 2011.