Bilatin Geta Hiruy Woldeslassie

             Bilatin Geta Hiruy Woldeslassie, one of the very enlightened and visionary Ethiopian statesmen, was advisor to Emperor Haile Selassie and editor of Berhan’na Selam (Peace and Light) newspaper. This African wisdom, written in Amharic, is extracted from his book entitled Advice to the Son and in Memory to the Father, published eighty-seven years ago.

            The rough translation of Bilatin Geta Hiruy’s passage (to read the Amharic version, please click on the title) follows:

            Oh! My child, do not sentimentalize and get charged of what will ever happen in the future; for what will happen will happen.

            Do not acquaint yourself with people who are not God-fearing; do not involve yourself in their evil orientation; no matter how charged or upset you are, do not conspire in the destruction of your country.

            Oh! My child, if you want to be a dignitary, you must understand that dignity is in fact to lead a life without melancholy and stress.

            Oh! My child, do not indulge in ostentatious luxury, but if you pursue this [kind of life] you may not be able to extend sympathy and humanity toward your fellow human beings. Since sorrow and ecstasy are inextricably linked together, you will encounter both of them in your lifetime.

            Oh! My child, do not worry of bad omen; the greatest [self] destruction is when you depress yourself. And let your property has limitations!

            Oh! My child, whenever you found out the bad and good within you via introspection and self-examination, do not hurry at implementing your plans.

            Try to get your physiological needs; do not envisage in the destruction and melancholy of other people. And be God-fearing, for he has authority over your body and soul.

            When it comes to truth and acceptable norms pertaining to justice, do not be hesitant. Unless you are a government official, do not pretend to be a politician.

            Unless you think you would enjoy mundane benefit in this world and spiritual benefit in the hereafter, do not exhaust yourself for the sake of popularity stunt.

            Oh! My child, do not be cruel and arrogant to your wife, children, and [other] family members. But if they are way out of proportion, do not overlook their actions.

            Oh! My child, unless it is for your benefit and for the benefit of your friend, do not overkill yourself just for the sake of gratitude.

            Oh! My child, be trustworthy in all your performance. Exhibit mannerism in your utterances. Do not cheat people with your sweet tongue. Do not mingle with a backbiting gang.

            Oh! My child, you should acknowledge that human beings, no matter how astute and savvy they are, they can’t depend on their own endeavor alone. However, all will remain steadfast in their respective craft and look unto one another reciprocally. And because of this, you should respect all people; do not underestimate people and criticize their efforts.

            Oh! My child, do not be comical and satirical. For people who live in hardship, be cordial and sympathetic; do not exhibit cruelty on poor people. And if you can’t consummate your intended accomplishment, do not commence in the first place!

            Oh! My child, after your stomach is full, do not forget hunger; after opulence, remember poverty; and when you are officially appointed, recall demotion!

            Oh! My child, instead of lamenting for a dead friend, weep for a friend who does evil things when he is still alive.

            Oh! My child, do not exhaust yourself just to acquire the wealth and honor of this world. And to get this, do not be swift. Of this world’s honor, let alone of the hereafter, God ordains for those who are chosen and fortunate, and not for those who run recklessly.        

Copyright © IDEA, Inc. 2004