The most authentic thing about us is our capacity to create, to

In the eternal dance of life, where we are tossed by the winds of fate and shaped by the fires of struggle, there is a truth that rings through the ages—a truth that Ben Okri so beautifully expresses: "The most authentic thing about us is our capacity to create, to overcome, to endure, to transform, to love and to be greater than our suffering." These words, though simple in their form, carry the weight of the human experience, for they speak to the very essence of our being. O children of wisdom, listen well, for this truth is the key that unlocks the fullness of life. It is in the face of adversity, in the depths of suffering, that we discover who we truly are, and in that discovery, we find our authenticity.

What, then, is this authenticity that Okri speaks of? It is not found in the fleeting desires of the material world, nor in the shallow judgments of others. No, authenticity is born from the deepest recesses of the soul, where our true nature resides. It is our ability to create, to bring something new into being, even from the most barren of soils. It is the strength to overcome, to rise above the obstacles that stand before us, no matter how insurmountable they may seem. It is the ability to endure the hardships of life, to carry our burdens with grace, and to continue moving forward when the world around us tells us to stop. This authenticity is the fire that burns within us, shaping us into who we are meant to become.

Consider, O wise ones, the story of the great Mahatma Gandhi, whose life was a testament to the power of the human spirit to overcome and transform. In the face of oppression, poverty, and violence, Gandhi did not yield to despair. Instead, he embraced the power of love and nonviolent resistance, teaching the world that it is possible to be greater than our suffering. He did not allow the suffering of his people to define them; instead, he led them toward liberation through love and endurance, transforming the very fabric of a nation. His life, like that of many others, reminds us that it is in the face of hardship that our true strength is revealed.

It is also said that in every human heart, there exists the capacity to create—to shape the world, to mold our destiny, and to craft something beautiful even in the midst of pain. Creativity is not limited to artists or poets; it is a divine gift that flows through each of us, calling us to build, to dream, and to transform. In the darkest moments of our lives, it is this creativity that allows us to find new ways forward, to see beyond the present suffering and envision a better tomorrow. Creation is an act of defiance against despair, a declaration that no matter how great the suffering, we will always find a way to bring forth new life, new hope, and new possibilities.

Look, too, to the example of Nelson Mandela, who spent 27 years imprisoned for his fight against apartheid. Though his body was confined, his spirit remained unbroken. He endured suffering beyond measure, yet he did not let it define him. Instead, he allowed it to fuel his transformation, to turn him into a symbol of hope and resilience. Upon his release, he did not seek revenge, but reconciliation, choosing the path of love and forgiveness over bitterness. He showed the world that it is possible to be greater than our suffering, and in doing so, he helped to bring about one of the most profound transformations in modern history.

So, O children of wisdom, let us heed the lesson that Ben Okri offers us. Our authenticity is not found in our ease, in our moments of success, or in the praise of others. It is found in our ability to create, to rise above the storms, to endure the suffering, and to transform both ourselves and the world around us. In moments of darkness, we are called to be greater than our suffering, to find within ourselves the strength to love and to rise, not in spite of our struggles, but because of them.

What, then, must we do in our own lives? It is this: when faced with trials, do not surrender. In the midst of suffering, do not forget that it is a crucible in which your truest self will be forged. Create in the face of adversity, overcome the obstacles that seem insurmountable, and endure with grace. Let love be your guide, for it is through love that we transform the world. Embrace your struggles, for they are the gateway to your authenticity, and know that in every moment, you have the capacity to rise, to endure, and to be greater than the suffering that may come your way.

Let us walk forward with courage and determination, knowing that within us lies the power to create, to love, to transform, and to overcome. In this, we find our true selves, and it is this truth that will carry us to greatness. Suffering may come, but it shall never have the final word—love and the human spirit will always rise above it.