BY PRISCA   SAM  DURU

No amount of time and space dedicated to writing or talking about issues of terrorism, insecurity,
unemployment, poverty  etc, will be tantamount to their being over flogged since humans around the globe wake up each day, to witness a new dimension or different levels of challenges.

While many who are overwhelmed by the ugly situation of things have resorted to engaging in activities which hitherto were anathema, all in a bid to be successful, some others have simply refused to believe that in most cases, man is the architect of his own misfortune and therefore, blame every evil situation as handiwork of God.

In a 93 pages book titled, “The Law of Exchange”, John Chidi  with the aim of addressing the fundamental question of how individuals can get the best out of life and make the most of their times even in troubled nations, lays down vital principles which men seeking to live an uncomplicated and successful life, may follow.

Divided into 5 chapters with which one can correctly re-title the book, the five Ps of successful living, since each chapter; ‘The Package’, ‘The Prerequisites’, ‘The Principles’, ‘The Paramount’ and ‘The Prescription’, begins with a P, “The Law of Exchange”, documents life changing principles and truths for a more fulfilled life.

The author maintains that “in life, nothing is really free.  Nothing begets nothing, everything has a price”,  implying that “no individual comes to life’s market without a commodity to exchange.” and  failure to abide by this, prevents one from excelling because according to the author, “life does not give you what you want rather it gives you what you ask for with your exchange.”

It therefore, behoves on men to become weary of the fact that the message in this book is not just about giving something in exchange but the quality and value of the item exchanged as well as one’s expectations. The object of exchange the book warns, must be commensurate with one’s demand. In other words, a person’s seed must be commensurate with expected harvest. This is the principle as documented in chapter three. The author also stresses on the company a person keeps as having so much influence on the person’s progress. The book also documents live changing experiences of legends with the aim of  helping readers draw useful lessons.

Above every opinion and suggestion written in this book, any reader would have raised an eye brow if at the end of a discussion such as this, the author, a minister of God does not make reference to accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Personal Saviour. That, John notes, “Is the chief exchange that positions you for all others. Christ empowers you to rise above your limitations.” In agreement with the author’s stance,  Pastor Collins Edebiri wrote in the Foreword, this is a “strong point but it will be wrong to think that this is another Christian literature.” The message of “The Law of Exchange” he continued, “appeals to everyone,  irrespective of their religious beliefs.”

In chapter two, the book emphasises the importance of skill in relation to the topic under review.  The author places skill above natural gifts stressing that “talent is about the commonest thing there is, what distinguishes folks and places them in classes is skill.” It no doubt requires sacrifice, training and discipline. But at the end, John believes that People will “revere you when you add a dressing of skill to your talents.” He advises that people should “major on their strengths and shore up in their weaknesses. carve a niche for yourself and become an authority in your field.”

Readers will definitely find John’s compendium of principles, an interesting piece that is of immense value to their lives throughout their quest to be successful in one thing or the other. The book in so many ways, speaks to issues of how one can get the best out of life. And as the author puts it, it is truly “the right companion for anyone who has somewhere to get to and wants to do so in a manner worthy of admiration.”

Simplicity seems a watch word in the book. Beginning from the cover page to the content, title and language, John maintains simple but very sophisticated style such that readers navigate through the pages with ease.

This is a must have handbook for every family. It is not meant to cool off in libraries or shelves but to be read and re-read as it is capable of helping readers to overcome the storms of the present day. Unemployed as well as people seeking a redirection in life, should get a copy because “The Law of Exchange” is a powerful reference material for tomorrow and beyond.