90 Years of Wisdom: Lessons from Wole Soyinka's Journey

Reflecting on Purpose, Growth, and the Art of Dreaming at Any Age

Thanks to #LarryMadowo's clip post on LinkedIn, I was wholly engrossed in Nigerian Prof. Wole Soyinka's 90th birthday interview with CNN, and I watched it twice with pauses as I reflected on my journey. A relocation to the USA that was never an actual dream, a transition to entrepreneurship and embracing creativity in my work, a parenting phase without my parents that I never envisioned, and so much more. It was true nostalgia watching this chat and seeing this literary giant, his wit as sharp as ever, reflecting on nine decades of an extraordinary life! As I watched, I couldn't help but smile and chuckle along. I was also quite fascinated by the discussions and different sentiments on the LinkedIn post thread. There are various reactions and perceptions of a single individual's life, including his impact vs. accomplishments and everyone's take.

And so what started as a post turned into an article.

I turned 40 this year, so the entire year has been reflective for me. I've been thinking a lot about my legacy for my children and my work, authenticity, and purpose. Seeing an icon that I have viewed as one since childhood and thinking 50 years from now got me thinking, and I'm glad I had some time to pen my thoughts.

Interview Highlights for Me

1. Soyinka revealed he never intentionally decided to become an activist. #Purpose found him. His Journey reminds us that a purpose-driven life isn't always planned—it's often discovered through openness, persistence, and a willingness to evolve.
2. He candidly admitted his early writing wasn't "particularly good" (Sir, with a #Nobel prize almost 40 years ago, we beg to differ 😂). Well, the point here is that in case we doubt it, mastery takes time, and we must keep doing it while improving.

What do these two points summarize for 40-year-old me looking at the next (few) decades?

Growth is Non-Linear: Soyinka's honesty about his writing journey is refreshing. It reminds me to embrace imperfection in my creative work (currently expressed through writing, singing, and speaking). Are you giving yourself grace in your growth process?

Purpose Unfolds: Like Soyinka, I've been drawn to unexpected paths. Recently, I've discovered passions I never imagined a decade ago. Realizing how much growth still lies ahead is both exciting and humbling. How open are you to letting purpose reveal itself in surprising ways?

Transitions Shape Us: At 40, while fear and doubt still arise every day, I'm more comfortable with change than ever.

How have life's transitions molded your journey?

But amidst these reflections, one quote from Soyinka lingered:

"These days, things happen so fast that I wonder if this generation even has time to dream."

This observation feels particularly poignant in our rapid-fire, technology, AI-dominated world. It challenges us to pause and ask:

• Are we making space in our lives for dreams and imagination?
• How can we balance immediacy with long-term vision?
• What dreams are we nurturing that could shape our next few decades?

I hope you can pause and reflect with me today:

1. What unexpected roles or passions have you discovered in your life?
2. How has your definition of "purpose" evolved?
3. In what areas are you currently growing, even if it feels uncomfortable?
4. What dream will you revisit or newly imagine today?

Watching and listening to Professor Soyinka at 90 reminds me that our journeys are long, unpredictable, and filled with potential. Let's embrace our unfolding stories, imperfections and all. I'm committing to carve out more time for dreaming, and who knows how many more decades are in view? I am choosing to embrace authenticity even as I keep on dreaming.

Will you join me?

#WoleSoyinka #Nigeria #LifeReflection #Inspiration #PersonalGrowth #PurposeDrivenLife #DreamBig