Intellectualism to serve politics

Intellectualism is inextricably linked to politics, for it is politics that determines the trajectory of a nation. Plato elucidated this principle in "The Republic", which serves as a foundational political treatise. The French Revolution, instigated by intellectuals, philosophers, and thinkers, stands as testament to the necessity of politics permeating all spheres; without it, intellectualism risks becoming an insular pursuit, devoid of tangible societal impact. 

Archaeological investigations of Ancient Egypt reveal a striking absence of royal palaces, underscoring the pharaohs’ indifference to material wealth. Indeed, some Egyptian priests amassed greater riches than the rulers themselves, who remained unencumbered by materialism. Instead, the pharaohs governed through "Ma’at"—a paradigm of justice, ethics, and wisdom. Their society achieved such harmony that women ascended to rulership as equals to men. Individual consciousness was so elevated that prisons were unnecessary; citizens voluntarily elevated their minds for the collective good of the state and community. 

Thus, Africa must reclaim its roots, inextricably tied to Ancient Egypt—a civilization founded by Black Africans, who referred to their land as "Khem" (the Black Land) and identified as "Khemits" (Black people). This is not an appeal to racial contention but a reclamation of historical truth, long obscured by distortion. Recall Western scholars who defaced the statuary of the pyramids, mutilating noses to obscure the Africoid features of their subjects. Our objective, therefore, is to cultivate an African consciousness through intellectualism, illuminating the grandeur of its history—indeed, the very cradle of human civilization. 

We must commend the monumental contributions of African scholars like Cheikh Anta Diop, whose research on Ancient Egypt and the origins of humanity remains unparalleled, and Théophile Obenga, whose work has been instrumental in restoring Africa’s historical legacy. As the Bible proclaims, "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free." It is this pursuit of truth that will liberate us from the vestiges of colonialism, for a people devoid of history remain perpetually subjugated. Moreover, we urge African leaders to heed this model of enlightened governance—one that prioritizes the welfare of humanity, recognizing our shared brotherhood. Africa’s lagging stature on the global stage exacerbates global instability. Consider the pharaohs: despite their unparalleled cultural, scientific, and spiritual sophistication, they eschewed conquest and colonization, instead imparting knowledge to the Greeks, who later bequeathed it to Rome. Thus, our modern world is indebted to Ancient Egypt, yet we grasp only a fragment of its majesty. 

China has forged its own political, economic, and social model, reaping remarkable success; Africa must emulate this by drawing upon its own illustrious past as the progenitor of civilization. The United States, though an economic colossus, lacks the cultural and philosophical depth to sustain its hegemony beyond this century. Africa must elevate its intellectuals, granting them platforms to disseminate wisdom. Consider France—a nation with scant natural resources, yet a global power by virtue of its intellectual tradition. Figures like Jean-Paul Sartre were revered, their ideas amplified by media. Yet Africa, though rich in thinkers, neglects its scholars, the very architects of consciousness. The consequence is evident in the calibre of leaders it produces—a lamentable failing. 

In conclusion, Africa must harness intellectualism in service of politics, cultivating leaders of exceptional acumen capable of shaping their nations—and the world—for the better. This demands a return to the spiritual, philosophical, and cultural patrimony inherited from Ancient Egypt. 



Marius C. Oula