“The labour of Life is Not for the Self” – A Call to Collective Triumph
The powerful Oromo proverb, delivered by Dr. Abera Dheressa, “Jiruu dhala namaaf nagaatu dursa. Nagaan Qotanii galfachuus ta’ee egeree keenyaaf murteessaadha,” translates to a profound and layered directive: “First, the labor of life is not for the self. Our peace, our victory, and our legacy must be decided for our generation.” This is not merely a statement; it is a philosophical framework for national and personal action.
Deconstructing the Core Philosophy
The opening clause, “Jiruu dhala namaaf nagaatu dursa” (First, the labor of life is not for the self), strikes at the heart of individualism. It challenges the modern, often hyper-individualistic notion that success is a personal trophy. Instead, it roots purpose in community and service. The “labor of life”—our struggles, efforts, and achievements—finds its ultimate meaning and rest (nagaatu) when it is dedicated to something greater than oneself. This echoes ancient Ethiopian principles of communal responsibility and the African concept of Ubuntu: “I am because we are.”
The second part, “Nagaan Qotanii galfachuus ta’ee egeree keenyaaf murteessaadha,” is the strategic application of that philosophy. It presents a trilogy of collective goals:
1. Nagaan (Peace): Not just the absence of conflict, but the active cultivation of security, stability, and social harmony as the foundational bedrock.
2. Qotanii (Victory/Achievement): The tangible progress and triumphs born from that peace—economic development, social justice, and national dignity.
3. Galfachuus (Legacy): What endures. The institutions, values, and stories we leave for posterity.
Dr. Abera’s critical assertion is that these three pillars—Peace, Victory, and Legacy—must be collectively decided by and for the current generation (“egeree keenyaaf”). This is a call for agency, for ownership, and for decisive action. It rejects the idea that these outcomes are preordained or should be left to fate or a select few.
The Imperative: “Hordofaa!” (Follow/Pursue It!)
The closing command, “Hordofaa!”, transforms the statement from a passive philosophy into an active mandate. It is a rallying cry. It says: understand this principle, internalize its truth, and now act upon it. The pursuit is not for personal glory, but for the collective “Peace, Victory, and Legacy.”
Contemporary Resonance
In the context of Ethiopia—a nation of immense diversity and historical complexity—this commentary serves as a potent narrative. It calls for transcending ethnic, political, or personal divisions. The “labor” of building a nation is arduous, but the proverb argues that its burden is lightened and its purpose justified when carried for the benefit of all. It frames national building as a generational duty, where today’s sacrifices and decisions are the direct architects of tomorrow’s peace and the inheritors of yesterday’s struggles.
Conclusion
Ultimately, this feature commentary reveals the quote as more than political rhetoric. It is a timeless piece of wisdom repurposed for a modern challenge. It merges the deep, communal wisdom of Ethiopian proverbial thought with the urgent, forward-looking vision required for statecraft. It asks every citizen to reconsider their role: to see their daily labor as a thread in the national fabric, and to actively participate in writing a decisive, peaceful, and victorious chapter for their generation. The labor is collective, the goal is tripartite, and the time for pursuit is now.
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