FOUR WAYS TO CHANGE THE WORLD ACCORDING TO CHIMAMANDA ADICHIE

We should be concerned about our world. As Chimamanda Adichie alluded in her 2019 commencement speech at the American University (AU), we should try to change a tiny bit of our world. 

We don't realize that when we choose to do this, we are indirectly making efforts to improve our lives. 

When this subject of "changing our world" comes up, we are quick to think this means we should go green or save the endangered animals. However, let's remember that our world is also about humans and our social-cultural exchanges. 

So, below I share my take on four very important points  on changing the world, raised by Adichie in that speech 

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1. DO SOMETHING

"Do something is to try", says Adichie. In my opinion, to do something to look at your immediate environment and take an action that improves the lives of those around you. 

It is to give some of your money to deserving charities. 

It is to give some of your time to helping others.

Sometimes it is just about being a shoulder to cry on. 

It is being a reliable spouse or friend.  

it's not about the size of the move. What matters is the move!

2. IF YOU CAN'T MAKE IT BETTER, DON'T MAKE IT WORSE

Really, this point speaks for itself. 

You must understand that every one of your actions or in-actions impacts the lives of other people.

Knowing this, you can't be complacent with your job. You must really try and you must really push!

I also think that you should try to abide by the world's moral code. Sometimes obeying the rules can be difficult, but don't be the person that is always seeking to break them. 

3. KNOW WHEN TO WALK AWAY

Stupidity is when you put yourself in a position in which you have much more to lose than to gain.   

There is a story in Iyanla Vanzant's book, The Spirit of A Man, that highlights this point.  A man was driving home at night from a party and unfortunately, rear-ended a car waiting at the traffic lights. The three guys in the car he bumped into were very furious. He apologized but they were not having it. So, an argument started and strong words starting flying afterward. The guy felt threatened because he was up against three dudes, so, he decided to bring out a switchblade to defend himself. Well, at that same moment, a police car arrived and the picture changed! The guy got arrested for attempted assault.

Sometimes walking away is not cowardice, it is being wise. 

4. KNOW WHEN TO CHOOSE SILENCE

I am in support of speaking up against injustice. However, there are certainly times when silence is the preferred choice. 

Silence is better when:

the intention of your speaking is to maim, 

you can't verify that what you are about to say is true, 

or speaking will be breaking a friend's confidence (the only exception is, of course, is when the said friend has broken the law).

Obviously, there are some times you need to get stuff off your chest and there are also times when you need to keep it under your hat. 

 

In conclusion,  please let's try in our daily living to do something to better our world. 

Thank you for reading.

-Tobi Amokeodo