Life itself can be understood and explained in different contexts, it simply depends on the view point. But in this context we are discussing life as the pathway to living, and the purpose of the individual within the human society.

A man’s life choices is largely defined by their experience. Now, experience is greatly defined by the individual knowledge. All these shapes and influences a person’s daily choices, which eventually leads to a destiny.

There are two types of knowledge; the foundational knowledge, and the secondary knowledge.

1. The foundational knowledge is divided into two.

• Natural knowledge: These are knowledge that comes naturally, and functions with or without the human’s perception of it. This kind of knowledge is an end in itself, and not a means to an end. It is constant and can’t be changed. This knowledge is Truth, it is the birth mother of every other knowledge, which is actualized as a result of the human adaptation and understanding of the natural knowledge.

Examples of natural knowledge.

We need energy to survive. These energy is gotten from food, sunlight, air we breathe, drinkable water. It rains on earth. Gravity keeps the planet, and the entire universe at large from falling apart. The biological difference between species and their sex.

• Structural foundational knowledge: These are societal conditioning which influences the upbringing of the human child. Unlike the natural knowledge, this kind of knowledge is not universal, as it is not the same every where, and also changes over time.

Example of structural foundational knowledge

Culture, religion, educational awareness.

2. Secondary knowledge: This is derived from the human experience, which is greatly influenced by the foundational knowledge.

Examples of this kind of knowledge

Economy, Government & Governance, Commerce, Transportation system, Housing system, Man-made Laws.

Secondary knowledge and structural foundational knowledge are intertwined, as one cannot do without the other. In-fact, secondary knowledge is where the human creation happens, which is then being passed down to the next generation as a structural foundational knowledge.

When we talk about building a life we do not need to escape from, we are referring to the individual. The individual life’s experience is influenced by the individual knowledge, preferences, human capabilities, awareness. The purpose of life itself is to live, whether or not you like your life, the fact still remains you exist.

For simply existing in itself, comes with a lot of challenges. To survive, we would need to either adapt to, or solve these challenges. This is where most individuals lose it, forgetting that challenges is and would always be a part of life, it is how we manage it that makes the difference. When faced with life challenges, if it can be solved, then why worry? If it cannot be solved, then why worry? Though this is often easier said than done, which is also a challenge in itself. Worry in this context implies to let oneself get mentally and emotionally overwhelmed by the challenges life throws at us.

It is in solving these challenges we create value for both ourselves and others. This is how leadership are formed, through the act of service to others. Leaders stand in as a representation of others. Any society of any form with self serving leaders is doomed to fail. Both a ruler and their subjects are in service to the structural authority of the state, which is in service to the protection, growth and preservation of lives and properties within a given society. When a ruler perceives themself as the authority rather than in service to the authority, thereby treats their subjects as slaves, forgetting they are also there to serve too themselves, anyone would want to escape from such a life.

To live a fulfilling life, one needs to establish a vision and purpose, thereby creating value for oneself and others.

©️ Victor E. Ojei, 2024.