"Bring back Isoken"- Izibili

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By Prof. Matthew Izibli 

'Isoken' in Esan language means contentment. 

The Economists posited that human wants are insatiable. The understanding of the above is not an imported idea from the Occidental world to African world view. It is an existential truth that all humans ought to take to heart.  No one has it all,  here lies the ethics of 'complimentarity'.

The society in which we live has undergone astonishing changes in recent decades.  Everyone,  it seems, lives his or her life at a break neck pace;  constantly rushing here and there to get everything done even when such activities does not give glory to God.

Technological advances that once promised more leisure time now seem only to push us further behind making it ever difficult to catch up. So,  we frantically scramble. This scenario aptly describes the "crowdy" nature of our society today. And it tends to swallow up the unsuspecting victims. 

What is 'Isoken' and why is it a Virtue?

Africans have been described as a people who are notoriously religious. This perhaps, is not unconnected with the explanations usually given to almost every thing or act(s).  How else will you classify the "myth of itching palm", as a possible financial breakthrough on the way,   or the therapy for the treatment of a "sore throat" by simply locating a crack in the wall and blow air into such 7 times and get your healing,   etc? 

In all of these, our elders speaks of moderation,  satisfaction and contentment. Esan, my birth place,  will say,  Aimuangbonrie!  No one will carry this world away at death. Why should the "hewers of fire wood" gather more than they need and stock them up for the rain to soak and waste away?  Anyone that does that, lacks the quality of an Adaze. (a man/ woman of integrity). Ọisẹmẹ Rhẹdaghe,  Ọle-Adazẹ Kueranle. (It is enough for me to lighten up the environment, is the principle of a decent mind, as he gathers firewood for use). Stop this display of GREED. (Ẹlo isibhemire, Imenọkpa riele,  etc); this is quite vicious! 

Why the despiration? Why the in fighting? Why do you feel or think you can gain the whole world without a consequence?  Don't forget that godliness with contentment is great gain.  You're expected to stay grateful for the daily provisions God blessed you with. Always remember,  Ọsoileken ooooo! (No one eats sand).

Those who are Isọken/contentment minded, will not take first position and still want to be second.  Live and let's live is the watch word for people of this philosophic school.  Be satisfied and let your taste in life not make others around you doubt if God is still fair. 

Please,  make effort to bring back the virtue of Isoken to our homes, our worship places,  our offices, and our national life. We will be fulfilled if we do. 


Prof. Matthew Izibli- an Esan Philosopher, is a Professor of Philosophy, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma 

@Zibilism

Esan Khide Development Foundation

Centre for Research and Documentation of Esan Cultural Heritage Ekpoma

esanology@gmail.com.

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