Marcus Garvey and Philosophy

Etymologically, the word philosophy is a compound word of elements that together mean, ‘lover of wisdom’. Afrikan souls, the primary people of the world have loved and cultivated wisdom amongst themselves prior to the emergence of others. Contemplation of creation, life and the sacred universe at large has been continual thrust for this people who are natural custodians of abundant resource. Visiting foreigners of the ancient world sought to learn even mere fragments of vast Afrikan knowingness. Perhaps it was seen as a way that could help their condition of lack in lands that would later be classified as being within Europe or Asia.

Of course by the Maafa of recent centuries, the alien ill thirst for extraction of Afrikan resource, wisdom and people became a torrent of the most vile, destructive and protracted order. Yet, despite this only Afrikan souls themselves can lift, restore and articulate their own natural norm of their love for wisdom. This, in order that wisdom can be purposefully directed for self-determined Afrikan betterment.

In a state of interruption and disruption, fickleness, ill-will and destructive aggression can appear to be tempting options to ‘flip-flop’ between one alien philosophical expression and another simply to ‘get over’. However, consistent rootedness in self-determined Afrikan philosophical base will surely yield continual ascension for this soul people of the world.

The supreme visionary Marcus Garvey articulated the following deeply insightful and challenging words that highlight the importance of authentic philosophical rootedness:

“I am expecting God to give us courage and strength to redeem our race. At least you ought to have some confidence in you own. Even the worst of you own is better than the best of the other. The other man, however good he may be, he cannot see the common goodness between you. It is a policy of your own. There are book you have never seen. It is Afrikan Philosophy not platonic philosophy. It is going to be philosophy that will save this perishing race of ours. God bless you!”

Of course, a richly filled volume containing wisdom articulation from this great hero is to found in the published text, Philosophy and Opinions of the Marcus Garvey.

The inspiration and wisdom guidance of the great Marcus Garvey is surely mission-compelling for Afrikans worldwide. Here, the imperative thrust of independent learning can be energised throughout the levels of the self: