“If you make friends with the boatman in the dry season, you will be the first to cross when the rains come and the tide is high.” – African Proverb
Our human history has a way of repeating itself in ways that are so predictable we can confidently conclude it is cyclical. It may be due to our reverence for the patterns that bead the rosary of our mortal lives, and there is no place where we make these connections more evident than in our encounters with the moments – be it in the way we make our decisions or in the emotions we wrap around the options that befall us. This quest for patterns motivates the majority among us to be so pragmatic we are denied the opportunity to be curious about the world around us.
Patterns, however, have their plus sides; and they are what makes science a beauty to behold and an act of patriotism. The countless hours science has spent studying the patterns around us have helped us – not only to overcome adverse natural conditions but also develop the technologies we use to generate convenience for ourselves. One of the knowledge areas that we have come to appreciate is the times we live in, and the times past and the ones yet to come. This assertion encapsulates the cyclical nature of human society, presenting us with an opportunity to reflect upon the interconnectedness of historical events and evolution of human character.
It was this that inspired G. Michael Hopf in his postapocalyptic novel to make the profound statement: “Hard times create strong men, strong men create good times, good times create weak men, and weak men create hard times”. His words throw light onto the attitudes of populations in every era. He argues that in times of adversity, when challenges abound and hardships are prevalent, individuals are forced to confront their limitations and endure trials which test their resilience. It is during these trying moments that the seeds of strength are sown, as individuals are compelled to summon their inner fortitude and persevere in the face of adversity. Hard times demand courage, perseverance and a steadfast commitment to weathering the storms of life.
From the crucible of hardship emerges the archetype of the ‘strong citizen’. These individuals, forged in the fires of adversity, possess a rugged determination and unwavering resolve that enables them to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness. Their strength is characterised by resilience, resourcefulness and indomitable spirit, embodying the virtues of courage, perseverance and self-discipline. They serve as beacons of inspiration, rallying others to rise above their circumstances and strive for excellence. As strong men navigate the trials of life and surmount challenges that confront them, they pave the way for ‘good times’ to arrive.
In periods of prosperity and abundance, when fortune smiles upon society and opportunities abound, the fruits of strong persons’ labour are reaped and the rewards of their resilience are realised. Good times are characterised by peace, prosperity and a sense of well-being as individuals bask in the achievement of their collective efforts and enjoy the fruits of their labour. However, the complacency and comfort that accompanies good times often breed a sense of entitlement and weakens the resolve of many individuals.
As the comforts of prosperity dull the edge of hardship, a sense of entitlement and complacency may take root – leading to the emergence of ‘weak citizens’; their attitudes often characterised by lack of resilience, aversion to hardship and a propensity for complacency. They lack the fortitude and determination to confront adversity, and may succumb to the temptations of indolence and self-indulgence.
When the citizens are weak-minded, they begin to once again sow seeds of adversity, as the complacency and lack of resilience which characterise their weakness create fertile ground for a resurgence of hardship. These citizens, lacking the fortitude and discipline to confront challenges, often falter in the face of adversity – exacerbating the conditions that give rise to hard times. Thus, we find ourselves caught in a perpetual cycle wherein the ebb and flow of human history is shaped by the interplay of adversity and prosperity, strength and weakness. The cyclical nature of human society serves as a reminder of the human character’s fragility and importance of cultivating virtues such as resilience, discipline and perseverance.
To sum up, we need to heed the wisdom of ages and recognise the cyclical nature of human history. Let us strive to cultivate the virtues, so that we may weather the storms of life and emerge stronger and wiser in the face of adversity. For it is through the crucible of hardship that the strongest among us are forged, and it is through their example that we may find the strength to endure and prevail…
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Kodwo Brumpon is a partner at Brumpon & Kobla Ltd., a forward-thinking Pan African management consultancy and social impact firm driven by data analytics, with a focus on understanding the extraordinary potential and needs of organisations and businesses to help them cultivate synergies which catapult them into strategic growth and certify their sustainability.
Comments, suggestions and requests for talks and training should be sent to him at kodwo@brumponand kobla.com
