By Douglass Anele

Human beings in contemporary societies, like no other period in history, are so preoccupied with the rat race for material comfort that they tend to forget those simple things that make human life humane.

Consider, for instance, the increasing tendency towards primitive accumulation and individualism. A little reflection will establish that most of the money and wealth people spend their energies accumulating are unnecessary, and that beyond the necessities of life such as food, shelter, clothing, education, good health, and simple recreation, virtually everything else can be dispensed with.

In today’s Nigeria, despite the exponential increase in religious consciousness and in the number of places of worship, there is a noticeable decrease in public spiritedness and respect for others. Civilisation is basically an attitude of the mind to fellow human beings, society and reality in general; it is not defined by the quantity of material things an individual possesses.

At home, in schools, markets, churches and mosques, we treat one another as objects without the respect and dignity appropriate to human beings as such.

The renowned German philosopher, Immanuel Kant, correctly observed that each human being belongs to “the kingdom of ends,” which means that no one should be treated as a means to an end. There are several behaviours and attitudes widespread among Nigerians which make me believe that our people are still operating at the level Lucien Levy-Bruhl called pre-logical mentality. These include animalistic and wicked driving habits, disdain for environmental cleanliness and aesthetics, and misuse of public property.

Of course, we know that most Nigerian leaders are uncivilised; they still function at the animal level, not at the human level yet, because of their monstrous proclivity to corruption. One of the attributes of a civilised human being is gratitude. These days, it appears that many parents have lost their senses; they no longer teach their children reasonable social etiquettes such as respect for elders, decency in speech and conduct as well as showing gratitude for favours received, among others.

There is no doubt that appreciation of kindness and charity is an important attribute of a refined person. It encourages people to do more good to others, and promotes the culture of solidarity and goodwill. Therefore, I will use this opportunity to express my appreciation and gratitude to those who, in various ways, helped me to cope with the vicissitudes and existential challenges of 2010.

First, I remain eternally grateful to my parents, Mr. & Mrs. Ebere Anele, for the gift of life and for giving me good education, both formal and informal. Although my mother died last month, much to my sadness and sorrow, I will never forget all the sufferings she went through for the sake of her children, including myself.

My gratitude also goes to my spouse, Ijeoma, and to my lovely girls- Nwanyioma and Nwadiuto, for enriching my life and making it worth living. Without question, my existence would have been like a fraction without its denominator, in their absence. My in-laws, Mrs. Perpetual Anyaibe, Ugochukwu and Nkiru Ekezon, together with my younger brother, Kalu, have been kind to my children. I thank them for that.

I thank Ihuoma, my sister, and her husband, Dee Sam, for the limited care (most times bordering  on tokenism) they have been giving to my parents. My immediate elder sister, Ngozi, deserves appreciation as well. I cannot thank you enough, Professor  Adetokunbo Sofoluwe, Vice-Chancellor, UNILAG, for your abiding interest in my academic career. Although I have not accomplished the task of self-elevation which you have persistently drummed into my ears, I will continue to work hard to justify your trust in my academic abilities.

Profs. Agwonorobe Eruvbetine, Ben Oghojafor, and Tayo Fakiyesi – all of you have been wondering what has been preventing me from ascending to the Chair of Philosophy. I am grateful, and I deeply appreciate your concerns and advice. My colleagues in the Philosophy Department, UNILAG, especially Peter Osimiri, Debo Gbadebo, Chris Osegenwune, and Dan Ekere, I hereby acknowledge your help on several occasions. I am also grateful to Uncle Tony Amaku, Dele Orimogunje, Demola Adeleke, Chris Obisi and other friends who are members of UNILAG’s Senior Staff Club.

The o-man, Isaac, a seasoned economist and my confidant, the chairman and members Editorial Board of Sun newspapers – all of you are hereby acknowledged. My friend, Amanze, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Imo State, thank you for inviting me to the last Ahiajoku lecture in Owerri and for the hospitality you and your wife extended to me during the visit. Charles Edosomwan, Rex, Pastor, Ralph, and Basorun, all of you have been good to me – may your shadows never grow less. Casmir Igbokwe, editor of Sunday Punch, and Dotun, how can I forget your kindness? Thanks a lot.

Uncle Sam Amuka, publisher of VANGUARD Newspapers – your disarming humility singles you out as an enlightened human being, and makes you an inspiration to me as well. Ekele diri gi. Fred Udueme, AGM Brand, VANGUARD, has been a good friend to me. Baad boy, I hail o!!

To Adeyemi Daramola of the English Department and other avid readers of my columns in UNILAG and elsewhere, I say keep reading and thank you. Rotesky and Geoffrey, two budding scholars in my department, I hereby signpost all the help you rendered to me in 2010.

To Matthew, Lugard, Ifeanyi, Keke, Onochie, Officer Yemi, Babatee, Dennis, Jude, Chioma, Ima, Engrs. Kunle and Emma, Gbola Oba, and Sly of Automedics, my warmest regards. For all those I did not mention due to memory lapse or constraints of space, accept my sincere gratitude. Surely, whether mentioned or otherwise, I am nothing without you!!