Samuel's words linger in my heart like striking thunder—yet I remain persuaded, still persuaded, not merely to dissect his meaning but to etch my perception of him onto these pages. To document how his counsel armored me against life's relentless flaws. Do not mistake this for perfection: I still falter. I still err. But actions roar where words whisper. Save it.
How many people does it take to make an impact on society and bring about change? Impact is not about acquiring territories upon territories, neither is it about building mansions upon mansions. It is about generating a legacy that stands firm in the heart of individuals that have been fed by the dazzling flames of your words or actions.
Samuel was someone I spoke with once in a blue moon. No, not fight... I am an introverted, focused individual who is interested in making things work. Today, I think about different people but I hardly connect with them, yet their words during our meetings are like a guide through my journey in life. Samuel was like a father to me during my school days. He was a prayerful guy who spoke in tongues, a vibrant believer and a close companion. We shared food together and ate together at times. I was a broke guy but he taught me how to pray. Prayer walks. Everything was just like child's play. Samuel taught me to pray for my future partner even when I was not ready for marriage. Samuel could read. He was vibrant and ready to teach the gospel. I soon began to speak in tongues and had that positive side of him. I do not speak a lot but observe. However, we parted and I soon left Agoiwoye, my first campus. Painfully, but meaningfully.
At Shagamu one day—that was first semester—I was nominated for an award as book worm of the year, teacher of the year, and many others, but I didn't have the money to receive the award. Sad and unhappy, I went to him. "Samuel, I was nominated for four awards..." He said, "Wow! That is great, congratulations." I responded, "This award requires that I pay a whopping sum of 10,000 each." He laughed. He called me "Baba." "Baba, don't you know that if God wants to award you, it is free? I have never seen a place where awards are bought with money. If you deserve it, no one else will be given."
Not happy, but I held fervently to his words. Just last year, I got four awards—for free. I did not pay any money, not one naira. He built the legacy of one developing oneself through hard work. Truly a friend. Truly a genius. Right celebrations come at the right time, and this impact has been made through me onto others. It takes a single individual, samuel, to make impacts. Just one comment from @queercoin made me post on the QC community group. He/she said I should drop by a blog post next time. A single entity. History shows that one deeply committed person can ignite change—Greta Thunberg, Satoshi Nakamoto—but 3.5% of a population sustaining nonviolent resistance guarantees systemic transformation—Erica Chenoweth's research.
Applying the Law of Power #28 by Robert Greene which is "Enter Action with Boldness." Even if you are not too sure, enter with boldness. I thought losing the award meant a lot to me, but I stood firm at his words. I entered with boldness. Rosa Parks refused one seat to a white man during the Civil Rights Movement. Just one person and a lone wolf. I don't do calling, just for relationships without real business. It's what I do. Read about Rosa Parks using this link https://naacp.org/find-resources/history-explained/civil-rights-leaders/rosa-parks.
@queercoin posting this question could inspire a future DAO. Caveat: The "lone wolf" always connects to a larger network later. Like right now, I am connecting to a larger network on Hive.
The Law of Power #9 of the same book says "Win Through Actions." I actualized Samuel's words by reading and determination. I didn't give up while working for my lecturer till I had other challenges to face. Other examples include Bitcoin's early adopters—2010—global financial disruption. Though I didn't know about Bitcoin then or I was probably too young. Such is life today. But those who adopted Bitcoin are billionaires and millionaires now.They won through their actions.
What Matters More: Numbers or Commitment?
The number of people and their commitment to the cause—both matter. Today, we see failed marriages because commitment crumbled. If only one person fights for the union and the other doesn't, it collapses. The same is true for impact.
I once had a mentor I gradually distanced myself from—not because he lacked wisdom, but because I wasn’t ready to commit. Commitment is demanding, but in it lies the foundation of every unbuilt structure.
Samuel once told me, when he was a pastor in Agoiwoye: "Make a territory for God right here in Shagamu." I failed. Too many focuses led to zero results. But if I had one ally—one person who burned with the same passion—why wouldn’t I have done it?
Some tasks can’t be conquered by a lone wolf unless they forge chains, multiplying their numbers. Not that it’s impossible—but the lone wolf must grow. That’s what chain reactions are. Like uranium splitting into thorium, then smaller atoms. An atomic explosion is just tiny, trapped lone wolves waiting to be liberated.
Image depicts Samuel and I
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I'm Ariyo Joseph Ayobamidele — nature observer, anatomy learner, science thinker. I write and draw to process the world. Heading into medicine and surgery. Self-sponsored through Hive and block chain technologies. My word for you is "Curiosity causes growth — and your support adds value." 🔬✍️