Use and Disuse: Application of the Theory to African Thinking-Ken Mwangi

Charles Darwin was an Englishman and a biologist and is best remembered for his contribution to the Theory of Evolution.  Sir Charles Darwin emphasized on natural selection where the dominant and rather naturally empowered species would prosper and the ‘weak species’ would become distinct over a period of time. This is what he referred to as the ‘Survival of the fittest’.  At the centre of the Theory is the maxim of ‘use and disuse’. I will not dwell on it scientifically but I’ll refer to it by this example: A person who was born right-handed can gain competence in the use and functionality of the left hand if he/she regularly puts it into use and for those of you who are conversant with zoology you can ably recall why man’s tail disappeared over time.

As I am building on my argument, kindly note that, as science has proven, or rather as was proven by Gregor Mendel in his ‘Law of Segregation’ is that the genotype is passed throughout a generation. This genotype is responsible for many of an individual’s character. This can explain the reason your temper is uncontrollable just like that of your great grandfather. The phenotype, which are the observable characteristic of an individual are influenced both by the genes and by the environment but note that the phenotype that is gained by the influence of the environment and is not intricate to the genes is never passed on to the off springs: a man who gains ‘cubes’ as a result of working out cannot pass the same to his son, and a woman who applies lightning lotion cannot pass the light skin to her daughter.

Now back to our focus on use and disuse. The brain as part of the human body is an area that requires regular exercise and that gains sharpness and alertness when constantly challenged and tested. And what is the best way to do that than by grabbing a book that is written by an African? Any African.  So is there a correlation between the development of the brain and the tasks that are allocated to us or we allocate ourselves on a daily basis or to our environment?  Now using the back ground knowledge presented above, let us task ourselves with the following question: Could the Africans have known civilization if the white man had not set his foot in Africa?

Let’s reconstruct a bit here. As the Western education teaches us, there are certain levels of development in the evolution of man. These are commonly known as the Rostow’s stages of development which are: Traditional Society: This stage is characterized by a subsistent, agricultural based economy, with intensive labor and low levels of trading, and a population that does not have a scientific perspective on the world and technology; Preconditions to Take-off: Here, a society begins to develop manufacturing, and a more national/international, as opposed to regional, outlook; Take-off: this stage is a short period of intensive growth, in which industrialization begins to occur, and workers and institutions become concentrated around a new industry; Drive to Maturity: This stage takes place over a long period of time, as standards of living rise, use of technology increases, and the national economy grows and diversifies and the Age of High Mass Consumption: Here, a country's economy flourishes in a capitalist system, characterized by mass production and consumerism.

That was Rowstow. Let us come to back to east Africa. In the same breadth, Richard and Mary Leakey have made great discoveries about the evolution of man and pointing East Africa as the cradle of human kind.  This is with the discovery of anthropological milestones such as the ‘Turkana Boy’.

Let’s recap a little bit; we are talking about two theories and one sub theory at the same time. These are the Theory of Evolution by Charles Darwin, the Theory of Development by Rostow and the Theory of the Existence of Man, which is a sub theory in the Theory of Evolution. I pray that we intertwine the same with our focus being: if the Africans could have been left alone, would we be having mega infrastructure and would we be as connected to the world (which world?) as we are now? I am in no way discrediting Rowstow’s Theory but it is clear that he used past occurrences to come up with this theory. It’s like how you could refer to the voting history of Kenyans and by carefully studying the trends of the times come up with a hypothesis that would explain each and every election in a unique way and assign tags to each and every behavior.  Note that debate ranges on the theory of behaviorism and social science in general as human being mannerisms cannot be predicted without a huge margin of error since we react to different situations as to our emotions, most influenced by our present conditions.   

Following Rostow’s theory, we can ably argue that when the Europeans arrived in Africa, and in East Africa, this was in the mid 1800’s and during this time, if we were to carefully examine the African Society and then apply the Theory by Rowstow, then we were still in the ‘Traditional Stage’ of development, literally with all the characteristics.  And then lets apply Dr. Leakey’s findings and then we have a contradiction since it is well within the precincts of my understanding that unless otherwise, the longer the existence of a human community, the, more developed and sophisticated it is or it becomes. Therefore, if East Africa is the cradle of Mankind, where were we left behind or will we believe the theory of Evolution that man evolved from Homo Habilis and moved into Europe after the division of the continent and developed more that their ancestors who were left in Africa?

So does that mean that man who was left in Africa never used his brain and therefore according to the Theory of Use and Disuse it never developed? Why would a man in one corner of the continent not put his brain to use and another in another part of the continent developed in such magnanimous way through the application of his brain to solve society issues? The dialogue continues.

 (c) Ken Mwangi 2014
This is part of Ken Mwangi's paper that was presented to masters students of a local University. The full paper is available on written request to the author.

Ken Mwangi is the Chief Executive Officer, Intellectus Consultancy

Use and Disuse: Application of the Theory to African Thinking(Preview)

A little bit of Ken Mwangi's up and coming 'article' of his scientific paper titled 'Use and Disuse: Application of the Theory to African Thinking'

 

... we are talking about two theories and one sub theory at the same time. These are the Theory of Evolution by Charles Darwin, the Theory of Development by Rostow and the Theory of the Existence of Man (contributed to by Richard and Mary Leakey), which is a sub theory in the Theory of Evolution. I pray that we intertwine the same with our focus being: if the Africans could have been left alone, would we be having mega infrastructure and would we be as connected to the world (which world?) as we are now? I am in no way discrediting Rowstow’s Theory but it is clear that he used past occurrences to come up with this theory. It’s like how you could refer to the voting history of Kenyans and by carefully studying the trends of the times come up with a hypothesis that would explain each and every election in a unique way and assign tags to each and every behavior. Note that debate ranges on the theory of behaviorism and social science in general as human being mannerisms cannot be predicted without a huge margin of error since we react to different situations as to our emotions, most influenced by our present more than our past conditions or the reverse truth....

Grace Mageka:I want to conquer Africa!

I am a young proud Kenyan African woman full of potential from sub-Saharan Africa, born in Kisii County, moving Africa to the next level very hardworking and team player, creative and innovative, confident, intelligent, competent, vibrant, dynamic, enthusiastic, self motivated, proactive with I can/must do attitude with a sense of initiative and ready to go beyond achieving academic excellence but also to take initiatives to positively impact the society.

I am mentor, facilitator peer motivator, social change maker and youth activist, doing a lot of women and youth advocacy and actively involved in advocacy and creating awareness on cross cutting issues such as market innovations, social entrepreneurship, post 2015 agenda and post 2015 development goals, democratic leadership, constitutionalism, global policy making and governance, human rights, gender issues, sex and reproductive health, water and food security, green economy and environmental conservation(vision #beyond2050, #climate-smart-agriculture) and above all an innovator to be committed to doing everything in my power to transition my community.

My aspirations and desires is to inspire young people greatly to develop skills and networks to build their countries and communities and share the experiences, skills and knowledge they have learned through my passion of international affairs, diplomacy, global policy and governance, humanitarian actions such as peace building and development and the role of young people and women in promoting peace, advancement in women leadership because advancement in women leadership is a powerful resource and catalyst for change in the world, management and volunteerism.

In both my professional and personal life, I have realized it is important to help out others and as a young African leader thinking good for Africa; I am planting little trees of unity and peace which would have fruit unification. I believe I am destined for greater missions in Kenya, Africa and globally. Speaking the language of hope and contribute to the “well-being” of people by inspiring and empowering people’ souls." to achieve their God given dreams.

I have helped young people develop their careers without burning out and drive social change in their community and nationwide. I do offer mentor-ship for young people, career advice and leadership training for young people and closely advocate for young women related matters such as girl child empowerment, eradication of female genital mutilation, girl child education, eradication of child labor, early marriages, maternal and health so that they have a sense of dignity and completeness.

I have created programs, trainings and engagements on gender issues and taking leadership roles while promoting policies that help young people make informed and responsible decisions about their sexual health and take their health and rights into their own hands

My journey as young woman in leadership, It has been really moments of learning, exposure, inspirational, rewarding and turning my dreams to actions and has really helped me to reach my milestones and ultimately reach my real potential by emerging as a leader in the national level, regional level and international platforms for instance the interim national coordinator for African Youth Union (AYU) Kenya chapter, aim is to transform the image of Africa through young people, East African Regional Coordinator for African Youth Association of Non-governmental organization, youth development coordinator for international gathering for peace and human rights for Eastern Africa. 

I have really gained so much, it has given me international exposure and experience which has challenged me to wrestle with important questions of international affairs and inspired me to develop a richer understanding of principles, practices and prospects of global policy and governance, for instance I was selected to join young democrats from all corners of Africa for democracy education program in Nigeria, Abuja. Currently selected to participate in the first Euro-Africa Youth Parliament (Berlin 24TH March to 4Th April 2014) as less than 20% of overall applicants were selected to participate and being one of 32 committee members from Africa and the European side to ensure effective debates from my team and my role at the first Euro Africa Youth Parliament will be demanding, requiring me to be on top of the various topics to be researched and debated by my team and many places I am yet to travel.

I am of the people who take complete responsibility for their lives experience joy and control of circumstances; they are able to make choices because they understand that they are responsible for their choices. Indeed, even when events that are not under your control, go awry, you can, at least, determine how you will react to the event. You can make an event a disaster or you can use it as an opportunity to learn, to grow, to cherish your faith, to hold loved ones close.

For Sudan to Know Peace,Kiir and Machar Must Agree Voluntarily~Dennis Shisia

The ongoing bloodshed in Southern Sudan reminds me of the crisis that hit Kenya in 2007/8 when elections that were meant to be peaceful suddenly turned bloody.  From a distance, the scenes portrayed on the photos that first appeared on the Twitter timeline of celebrated Kenyan Blogger cum media and government critic Robert Alai must be the tip of the iceberg. The real picture and true story can only be told by the innocent children, the defenseless mothers and the clueless fathers caught in the mayhem in the youngest African state.

Without underestimating the brunt of the effect of the crisis in South Sudan, only two people have the power and final say in the crisis. These are Salva Kiir and his nemesis Riek Machar. Just like the Kenyan situation, then, these two can determine whether the country that Kenya saw come up on its feet will survive the turmoil or will be consumed by it. Neither the AU nor the UN will help stop the crisis – not even with sanctions. It’s up to the two guys – who in my view are neither honourable nor Excellencies – to stop both the fighting and the humanitarian crisis that’s in South Sudan.

To do that, Machar needs to first of all stop listening to Al Bashir of Sudan. Kiir on the other hand needs to stop lending his ear to Museveni of Uganda. Both Museveni and Al Bashir have nothing special to offer. Al Bashir is the reason South Sudan decided to go independent! It is said that a neighbour with whom you fought over land cannot assist you build a house on the same land after you’ve won against him! It’s simple logic. Al Bashir would rather pray for anything else that South Sudan’s peace.

Museveni on the other hand is unable to contain Kony with his movement. The best he can do to a harmless and toothless opposition led by Besijye is to harm it further. Though a Military man, he seems to have lost all the military teachings and resorted to doing things with ‘his chest’ – no brain. Collectively, Museveni and Al Bashir are suspected to be behind the plane crash that killed John Garang- the South Sudan liberator. These two mean no good for South Sudan.

Secondly, the 2007/8 Kenyan case – though slightly different – should provide enough lessons to South Sudan.  The Kenyan case was fueled by both internal and external forces – just like the South Sudan case. The Kenyan crisis was fueled along ethnic lines – South Sudan can’t claim otherwise. Neither IGAD, AU nor UN could help solve the Kenyan case without the consent of the two men at the helm. The earlier South Sudan leaders realize this, the better. There are not enough roundtable meetings that can solve their crisis until when Riek Machar and Salva Kiir agree by their own volition. There’s no need of spending taxpayers’ money in hotels in Addis Ababa or Nairobi to solve a situation that can be comfortably solved within South Sudan.

Otherwise, women, children and men alike will continue being slain in South Sudan by fellow countrymen while the rest of the world looks. External forces that include Uganda and Sudan will continue enjoying the turmoil in South Sudan. Twitter activists will continue creating hashtags and making them trend for weeks into months. Photos of the dead and those in combatant clothing will continue hitting the online airwaves like hurricanes. Nothing will be done. Nothing positive will be done, unless by Salva Kiir and Riek Machar themselves. They have the key. They have the key to a peaceful South Sudan.

Dennis Shisia is a Nutrition and Dietetics Student at EgertonKe University and a Socio-political commentator. He’s also the Chief Editor and Co-Founder of Magazine Reel, an Online Campus Magazine

Introducing:Kenya Youth Movement (KEYM)~Alex Anyolo Kikuyu

On a microscopic and critical point of view,I am afraid to say,but I have to say-considering the kind of leadership we have had since 1964 and the leadership we are having today in KENYA, ladies and gentlemen the comparison between the two is no different from that of a wild and a domestic pigeon. You can put lipstick on a pig, its still a pig. I have always believed that change is that stubborn thing inside us that insists,despite all the evidence to the contrary, that something better awaits us, so long as we have the courage to keep reaching, to keep working, to keep fighting. YOUTHS- our challenges have been singular, our destination shared,out of many we have been one, and that is why we are swimming in these turbulent times of unemployment,poverty and overdependence, otherwise we would have sank and drowned. For a long time now,kenya’s leadership has been wanting, experiencing drought, calamity, an epidemic, a deadly disease,`KENYAMNESIA’.Promises are made, both earthly and heavenly, taps of milk to replace motherly suckling, manner and whine from heaven to replace changaa,paradise promises –very juacali and seasonal, brothers and sisters,citizens,relatives,Christians,muslims,budhists,hindus,ladies and gentlemen..NO WORRY ANYMORE, ALEX ANYOLO KIKUYU has a cure for KENYAMNESIA…..KEYM (KENYA YOUTHS MOVEMENT).

KEYM as a union and an association, we are set to be a hub that will harness democracy, equity and tolerance.KEYM will reach out to youths in all corners of KENYA, in all constituencies, counties and provinces-no tribalism, intimidation or discrimination. We shall give direction politicaly, socialy and economically. We are tired-Gone are the days of humiliation and elderly representation in BUNGE.KEYM is set to have leaders from a majority of the universities in Kenya, colleges and other learning institutions and beyond, in KEYM there will be no mercy but peace,honesty,competence and accountability ndugu zanguni.no political mischief and flowergirl games.Herbert Hoover in a strong statement had to say, that older men declare war, but it is youth that must fight and die.KEYM will consider such a statement obnoxious and vague, if a must applicable-then the contrary must also be true.

In the face of impossible odds, people who love this country can change it. our road might be long, our climb steep but we shall never forget the desire to achieve. As we focus on the registration of the association and its launch, ladies and gentlemen lets embrace one another, lets keep the fire burning, spread the word like bushfire. THANK YOU.cc ALEX ANYOLO KIKUYU.