Yoruba Idealism

Yemi D. Ogunyemi (PhD, Harvard University; D Litt, Debrecen University) is a literary philosopher and author of 50 books. His recent publications include Yoruba Philosophy and the Seeds of Enlightenment and The Aesthetic and Moral Art of Wole Soyinka. He is a former research fellow at Harvard, and he was the recipient of the 2021 Nonfiction Fellowship Award of the Writers’ Room of Boston.

Preface – Introduction – Yoruba Idealism – The Utility of Yoruba Idealism in Academia – Father of Yoruba Idealism – Spiritual and Material Idealism – What Idealism Means to the Yoruba People? – Orunmila’s Teachings of Idealism – Olawa Duru, the Idealist – The Body of Knowledge – The Idealism of Yoruba Language – Idealized and Critical Reflections – Benefits of Knowledge – Progress—1 – Progress—2 – Yoruba Idealists in Diaspora – The Humanistic Movement – From Idealism to Realism—1 – From Idealism to Realism—2 – The Mystic Land: Path to Initiation and Idealism – Preparation for the Journey – Kinedi Boat-Wrecked but Rescued – Kinedi Met with Queen Masalarus – The Capture and Imprisonment of Kinedi – Kinedi Chanced upon Three Male Farmers – Kinedi Entered the Altar of Light and Idealism – Kinedi Presented with Kilili Key – Kinedi’s Sweet Home-Coming – Kinedi Entertained the Cowry Queen with a Paean – Bidding the Palace Farewell – Kinedi’s Heroic Reception – Kinedi Became the President of the Youth Club – Conclusion – Appendix – Bibliography – Name Index – Subject Index.