The best way of learning to be an independent sovereign state is

Host: The room feels strong, as if the conversation is about to explore the principles of self-determination, autonomy, and the path to true independence. The soft evening light fills the space, and outside, the world continues at its usual pace. Inside, however, the atmosphere feels charged with the idea of building and asserting sovereignty. Jeeny sits at the table, her fingers lightly tracing the rim of her cup, her expression thoughtful. Jack stands near the window, arms crossed, looking out at the street below.

Jeeny: (her voice gentle, yet filled with curiosity) “You ever think about how true independence is earned, not just declared? How sovereignty isn’t just about saying you're free—it’s about the actions and decisions that prove it?”

Jack: (glancing over at her, his voice dry, but intrigued) “Independence as action? Yeah, it’s interesting how many people talk about freedom or sovereignty, but it takes more than just saying you’re free—it takes the work to back it up. What made you think about it?”

Jeeny: (nodding slowly, a small smile forming as she shares her thought) “I was thinking about something Kwame Nkrumah said: ‘The best way of learning to be an independent sovereign state is to be an independent sovereign state.’ It made me reflect on how true independence doesn’t come from being granted freedom or status—it comes from actively living it, making choices that reflect that sovereignty, and asserting it through actions, not just words.”

Jack: (pauses, considering her words carefully) “So, he’s saying that sovereignty is something you do, not something you declare. That the best way to learn to be independent is to actually take on the responsibilities and actions of independence, to make the decisions that come with being sovereign?”

Jeeny: (smiling more deeply now, her eyes steady as she explains further) “Exactly. Nkrumah’s point is that sovereignty isn’t just a title—it’s a process, a practice. A nation becomes truly independent not by simply declaring it, but by operating as an independent state in every aspect—politically, economically, culturally. Independence isn’t given; it’s earned by taking charge of your own destiny and making the choices that affirm your sovereignty.”

Host: Jeeny’s words seem to settle in the room, creating a shift in the conversation about sovereignty and independence. Jack stands still, his expression softening as he processes the deeper message behind Nkrumah’s statement. The world outside continues its rhythm, but inside, the conversation feels rooted in a more profound understanding of freedom and autonomy.

Jack: (his voice quieter now, almost reflective) “I see what he means. True independence is more than just gaining the title—it’s about living it every day, about making decisions that reflect sovereignty, even when it’s difficult. It’s a process that requires responsibility, not just freedom.”

Jeeny: (nodding slowly, her voice calm, yet filled with quiet strength) “Exactly. Independence isn’t something that’s granted from the outside—it’s something you assert for yourself. It’s about taking responsibility for your own path, making choices that reflect your values, and building the structures that allow you to stand on your own.”

Jack: (pauses, a small smile forming on his face as the idea sinks in) “It’s liberating, isn’t it? To realize that independence isn’t just a moment—it’s a journey, something we live out in our actions and decisions. It’s a practice, not just a declaration.”

Jeeny: (smiling warmly, her voice gentle, yet filled with wisdom) “Exactly. The real power of independence is in how we live it, how we assert it every day through our actions, choices, and responsibilities. It’s about building something that stands on its own, not just being given the freedom to exist.”

Host: The room feels lighter now, as though the conversation has shifted into a deeper understanding of independence and sovereignty. Jack turns from the window, his posture more relaxed, his thoughts clearly reflecting on the importance of living out the principles of freedom. Jeeny watches him, content in the realization that true independence isn’t a title—it’s an active process that requires commitment and action. The world outside continues its rhythm, but inside, there’s a shared understanding that independence is not something granted—it’s something we create and sustain through our choices and actions.