Again, yes, that is how beautiful is spelled in the title.
As usual, Ayi Kwei Armah serves up a fantastic work that speaks to anyone willing to listen. He takes us through the life of Ghanians who have succumb to the materialism from the West which has now infected their way of life. Now, they must have everything. The fancy cars, the big boats and houses. Wine from Europe and name brand clothes. If one does not live or attempt to live the “high” life, then they are a nobody.
But the naked wise man who lives in a room with nothing more than a bed and books, has much to say about the high life. The irony of it all is that what he doesn’t say is what stands out most. The way he lives is the real conversation and lesson in the story. Some may see it as drastic, but when juxtaposed with the drastic way in which the materialism is embraced in the culture, one can readily see how tame the naked wise man is comparatively.
In the end analysis, this is not just about Ghanian culture, but about black culture in general. How much has materialism taken hold of us, and how does it keep us from seeing life as an adventure? The world is filled with knowledge that could elevate us in ways we never imagined. Can this knowledge be found if our attention is focused on the hottest new Via Spiga shoes coming out next season? How much further could we be were we not distracted by consuming, rather than creating?
A great book that delves deep into the heart of our potential issues through witty humor. Grab a copy.
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