NEWTON’S LAW AND PAIN
One of Newton’s laws, I believe his first law, states that everything continues in a state of rest or uniform motion in a straight line until an external force is applied. However, I have mentioned on this platform that with modern science, an internal force can also be at play. For example, an explosion can redirect a satellite into space. Thus, the force that changes the state of rest can be either external or internal, leading to a change in motion or direction.
I want to connect Newton’s law with Carlo M. Cipolla’s law of repetitive stupidity. Cipolla said that people are bound to repeat mistakes if they don’t develop the capacity or willingness to learn from them. So, what makes people learn from their mistakes? Number one is pain. Pain is a great teacher. I believe that if Nigerians don’t learn from the pain they are experiencing, it will be difficult for the country to change. The gains from pain and the lessons learned are the price you pay. If Nigerians cannot learn from the pains and the costs of their political mistakes, it will be very difficult to bring about change. Tragically, Nigerians tend to forget easily, forgive easily, and tolerate too much, especially when influenced by tribe, religion, party, or region. This results in a continuous cycle of pain and amnesia.
Regarding the violence that erupted in Bukuru when a ban was placed on street trading, it is crucial to note that in a country where employment is scarce from both government and private sectors, the informal sector becomes a major source of livelihood. For the government to suddenly issue a decree banning street trading without proper regulation and organization was unwise. Instead, it should have been regulated to ensure traffic order and decency.
Another disturbing aspect of the Bukuru issue is that people targeted cars parked outside a supermarket. The question is, were these car owners responsible for issuing the order? Why didn’t they go to the government or local authorities to protest instead of burning the cars of innocent people? One disturbing behavior among poor people is that when they are angry, they often attack innocent individuals. For example, in protests, they may damage the vehicles of drivers as if those drivers were the ones who enacted the laws causing their discomfort or were the ones who voted the current leaders into power. Destroying the cars of those who have no role in these decisions does not solve their problems. This reflects a harmful mentality among the poor in Nigeria.
Unless people learn from this behavior, they will continue to direct their grievances in the wrong way. I am trying to teach people that you can go to church, pay your tithe, give offerings, and sow seeds. I am not against these practices, as I am a clergy myself. However, when you vote for bad government and then face financial challenges, you should address your concerns to your pastor, your church, or the government officials you supported.
One of the lessons I try to impart is that people must experience their pain to learn from it. Alleviating pain without imparting the lesson will only lead to repeated mistakes. My mother taught me this through a hurricane lamp with a globe that would become hot. Despite this, she allowed children to touch the lamp so they could learn through their own experience. This method ensured they learned not to touch it reflexively.
I pray that Nigerians will learn from the pain experienced from Buhari’s time until now. It is tragic that we keep repeating the same mistakes. May you, as an individual, avoid the repetitive mistakes described in Cipolla’s law. I hope the pain and pressures you experience will be the force that changes the direction of this country, though I remain doubtful.
I am your friend. Dr. Charles Apoki
