Agnoias City is a comfortable and natural settlement for the lost and the broken-hearted. An open prison for the retrogressive, the financially broke and such that are contented with average living. Why would anyone want to live in this city? I have always wondered. It is comfortable here some might say but it can also be cold, crowded and yet lonely in Agnoias.
I live in the upper quarter of Agnoias, yes, the city is segmented into several lanes, streets, and layouts. The inhabitants of the lower quarters are fiercely proud of their ignorance, wearing it as a badge of honour. They believe that books are a waste of time and that learning is a fool’s errand. They would rather spend their days drinking, gambling, and engaging in petty squabbles than engage in intellectual pursuits. The upper quarter housed the “upper echelon” of the city. They have a moderate to detailed understanding of knowledge but lack the wisdom of practice and action that is the bedrock and engine to generate the energy of progress that will move the city forward.
There are some who seek to escape this cycle of ignorance. A small group of rebels, led by Amure, have begun to question the status quo. We secretly read books, share information, and try to educate others. we know the risks – we could be imprisoned, even killed – but we persist on the journey to liberate the city. The city security finally cut up with us. The judge’s chilling verdict resounded through my bones – exile or death?. Exile from the Agnoias is the most pragmatic choice for surviving rebels like me.
On the 1st day of the Maios, with the limited provision that can last only days we were taken by the Strategos to the gates of Agnoias and were released to the desert and the city gate closed behind us. We were greeted by the ocean of sand, with no footprint for a compass. Not knowing the way to Gnoseos, Amure divided the group into three parties. Each party heading out toward the North, East and West, knowing only one of the parties will reach the “city of knowledge”, thereby condemning the remaining two parties to certain death. The journey of no return to the city of Gnoseos began with mixed emotions among the parties. “May Hermes be with you” echoed among the group and we set out in different directions in search of the city of knowledge
My lot falls with the party that headed West. This party was led by Latyo, an Agoge veteran, A leader in his own right. The party were divided into groups with rotating responsibilities for food hunting, party security, road scouting, combat training and group coordination. The party has only 5 hours of sleep every day. The first four hours of the day were dedicated to individual study in relevant subjects. Knowledge sharing sessions were a daily feature within the groups to keep the purpose alive. The party’s geographical movement is very slow due to the need to care for all the constituent members. The experience is rewarding for a few determined souls like mine. Having gone through all the training and lectures this week, waking early in the morning, and keeping awake till late night, mostly in the centre of the sharing group to build up my knowledge and practice. I am now getting mature in the group and have begun to build enough confidence to share in the group.
It is a journey, and the journey is long.
I encourage you, the reader to stay tuned for more reports on my experience
Olufemi Oshonuga MEMBA 12
