Dr. Segun Gbadegsin

During this week's lecture for Freshman Seminar Dr. Segun Gbadegesin spoke to us about the topic of Self Actualization and Communal Responsibility. Dr. Segun discussed how the African goddesses, such as Ma'at and Pharaoh Amenemope were in existence long before many of the Greek gods and goddesses that we hear about. I found this fact very interesting being as I am in a Classics course now that discusses Greek Civilization and how they claim to have been the founds of rhetoric and other forms of mathematical and scientific methods. In discussing these African gods, Dr. Gbadegesin touched upon ancient books and pyramid texts that predated modern concepts and ideals, like Mill's Utilitarianism. They were known as the principles of Maat. He then went on to discuss the importance and significance of not only knowing yourself, but also knowing your past and those who laid the roadwork for where you are now. It is through knowing your past that you can truly see where you are headed in the future. I, as an individual, was challenged to pay respect and honor to my ancestors and truly appreciate what I have and where I am now. To evaluate my character and hold others up in their endeavors, because a man of character is a man of wealth. Dr. Gbadegesin also stated that ,"good character is beauty." This statement is evident all around us, because some of the most physically beauty people in this world are starving in good character because of superficial materialistic ideals that robbed them of "their internal wealth." I greatly enjoyed and appreciated his lecture and look forward to hearing from him in the future.