“Things fall apart; the center cannot hold; Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world, The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere; The ceremony of innocence is drowned; The best lack all conviction, while the worst Are full of passionate intensity.”
By Abdul-Azeez Suleiman
This famous line from W.B. Yeats’ poem “The Second Coming” captures the essence of a society in turmoil, where the forces of chaos and destruction threaten to overwhelm the established order.
The idea that “things fall apart; the center cannot hold” is a powerful statement that speaks to the fragility of society and the potential for collapse when the established order is disrupted. In the context of Nigeria, a country that has faced its fair share of challenges, both political and social, this idea is particularly relevant.
The concept of the arrow of God being at ease suggests a sense of stability and order in society. When the arrow is no longer at ease, as in Nigeria today, it implies that there is a disruption in the natural order of things, leading to a breakdown of the established norms and values that govern society. This disruption can take many forms, such as political upheaval, social unrest, or environmental catastrophe, but the end result is always the same: things fall apart.
In the poem, Yeats describes a world in which the center cannot hold, leading to a state of anarchy and chaos. This idea can be applied to contemporary Nigerian society, where we see the breakdown of traditional institutions and values, leading to a sense of disorientation and uncertainty. The rise of populism, the erosion of democratic norms, and the increasing polarization of society are all symptoms of a country in which the center cannot hold.
Nigeria, a country known for its diverse culture and rich history, has also been plagued by corruption, violence, and political instability. The failure of leadership to provide for its citizens, the rise of extremist groups, and the breakdown of law and order have all contributed to a sense of chaos and uncertainty in the country.
When Yeats wrote about “mere anarchy is loosed upon the world” and “the blood-dimmed tide is loosed,” he could very well have been describing the situation in contemporary Nigeria. The country has been torn apart by ethnic and religious conflicts, acts of terrorism, and widespread poverty. The ceremony of innocence has indeed been drowned, as the hopes and dreams of many Nigerians have been shattered by the harsh realities of their daily lives.
In such a society, it is not surprising that “the best lack all conviction, while the worst are full of passionate intensity.” Those with the power and influence to bring about positive change often lack the conviction to do so, while those with destructive intentions are emboldened by their own fervor. This imbalance in conviction and passion only serves to further destabilize the country and push it towards the brink of collapse.
However, amidst all the chaos and uncertainty, there is still hope for Nigeria. The resilience and determination of its people, the vibrant culture that binds them together, and the potential for positive change through leadership and unity all point towards a brighter future. It is important for Nigerians to come together, to resist the forces of chaos and destruction, and to work towards building a more stable and prosperous society for themselves and future generations.
