By Ibekwe Nnamdi Chimdi
“The problem is not what happened in the past, but how we allow negative past experiences to be recreated into shining stars of the future.”
In a previous article, I explored how the concept of “Contradiction of Contradictions” can be helpful in strategically repositioning society and forging a better future for the people.
However, given the numerous requests and suggestions for a version that examines individual perspectives in light of current socioeconomic challenges, I decided to write this second part.
The concept of “Contradiction of Contradictions” suggests that two opposing forces or ideas can coexist and can even be interrelated, interconnected, and interdependent and can be applied to various aspects of life, including personal growth, relationships, and societal development.
In the context of personal growth, the concept can be seen in the idea that our strengths and weaknesses are intertwined and could be harnessed to bolster or create a better future.
For instance, a person may be highly confident in one’s abilities, but the confidence can also lead to arrogance and a lack of self-awareness.
On the other hand, a person may be highly self-aware and introspective, but this can also lead to self-doubt.
In relationships, the contradiction of contradictions can be seen as the idea that two people can have different perspectives and values, yet maintain a strong and healthy connection.
For example, a couple may have different political beliefs but still share a deep love and respect for each other’s opinions, quirks, and values.
The concept of contradiction of contradictions can be traced back to ancient philosophers such as Heraclitus and Hegel, who discussed the idea of opposing forces being interconnected.
In modern times, philosophers such as Nietzsche and Jung have explored this concept in their works.
However, given current socioeconomic realities, with their attendant challenges, overwhelming pressure, frustration, hopelessness, and depression can lead some individuals to think and even do the untoward actions such as attempted suicide to actual suicide cases as being witnessed at present. This article will attempt to examine the paradoxes of failures and setbacks with a view to establishing that the duo are an intricate existential reality in human societies that is quite inevitable. Evidently, the most crucial thing is how we respond to them.
Rebuilding one’s future after failures and misfortunes requires a deep understanding of the contradiction of contradictions, impliedly, the idea that our greatest weaknesses can also be our greatest strengths. Or using our greatest adversities as a springboard to our advancement.
Theorists such as Carl Jung and Friedrich Nietzsche have written extensively on this concept. Jung’s theory of the “shadow” suggests that our darkest fears and weaknesses are also the source of our greatest power.
On his part, Nietzsche conceives of “amor fati” or “love of one’s fate” and encourages us to embrace our failures and setbacks as opportunities for growth and transformation.
There are true-life examples of individuals who have rebuilt their future after failures or misfortunes.
For instance, the Ago, Okota, Lagos’ flooding contradictions between 2007 and 2016 have given birth to remedial initiatives in the advocacy for erosion prevention, control and management in Bende North by yours truly.
Another example is Thomas Edison, whose debilitating experiences are contained in his famous quote, “I have not failed. I’ve just found one thousand ways that won’t work.”
After several failed experiments, Edison finally invented the light bulb, thereby revolutionising the world.
Another example is J.K. Rowling, whose book, “Harry Potter series” was rejected by twelve publishers before it was finally accepted for publication.
Globally today, the series is a historical phenomenon that has inspired numerous movies, entrepreneurial endeavours, and a devoted mass followership.
Nelson Mandela’s life can be considered a typical example of living in perpetual adversity which turned out to be positivity.
The apartheid regime in South Africa sentenced him to 27 years in prison for fighting against apartheid.
On his release, he became the country’s first black president, setting the country on the path of democracy, reconciliation, and freedom.
The foregoing examples demonstrate the contradiction of contradictions – inherently, establishing the truism that our greatest failures can also be our greatest successes.
By embracing our weaknesses and setbacks, we can transform them into opportunities for growth and transformation.
In conclusion, rebuilding one’s future after failures requires a deep understanding of the fact that the contradiction of contradictions is a path of human existence. Undoubtedly, by embracing our weaknesses and setbacks, we can transform them into opportunities for growth and transformation.
As Nietzsche said, “You must have chaos within you to give birth to a dancing star.”
To actualise this, Hegel suggests adoption and adaptation to the unity of opposites and the Absolute Spirit.
Hence, through determination, one can apply Jung’s admonition of unleashing the “repressed aspects of our personality and their contradictions.”
In addition to Nietzsche’s plea to apply the “Will to Power – the drive to overcome obstacles and contradictions. So, give birth to the star – your future.
Hon. Ibekwe Nnamdi Chimdi is the Lawmaker representing Bende North Constituency in Abia State.
