The Sachet of Wisdom: A Philosophy 401 Lesson at the University of TwoCents

Professor Tobi Igbinedion, of Philosophy 401 at the University of TwoCents, stepped into the lecture hall—a cool, afternoon breeze drifting in through open windows, the buzz of Lagos beyond the walls. The classroom smelled faintly of chalk and jollof rice from lunch, and the students sat half-attentive, smartphones hidden under desks. He cleared his throat and took a humble sachet of pure water from your briefcase, lifting it slowly before their eyes. Silence swallowed the room. After a full ten minutes—but felt like ten hours—he spoke: <blockquote>“Tell me, class. What is the weight of this sachet of water?”</blockquote> From the back row, Jefferson Nnadi guessed eagerly, “Maybe… ten grams, sir?” Emetekefe Akpovwovwo chimed in, “Or perhaps twenty grams?” Samuel Ibok piped up with a grin: “Sir, why don’t you just take a sip and move on?” Professor Tobi smiled wryly and continued: <blockquote>“Now, observe. If I hold this sachet for five minutes, nothing happens. If I keep holding it for an hour, my arm will begin to ache. And if I hold it all day, I might need serious help—LUTH Emergency Room help.”</blockquote> A ripple of laughter passed through the classroom. <blockquote>“But tell me—did the weight of the water ever change?”</blockquote> Joshua Omoijiade called out, “No sir—still the same weight.” So he asked, softly: <blockquote>“Then why is my arm in pain?”</blockquote> Tari Ogbowei, always sly with words, answered deadpan: “Because you REFUSE to drop it, sir!” The room erupted. He nodded, leaning forward, sachet still raised: <blockquote>“Exactly. That, dear students, is precisely how our troubles work. If we carry them only briefly, they’re manageable. But hold on too long—over the day, over the night—they begin to hurt, to paralyse us. The cure is simple: put them down.”</blockquote> He gently placed the sachet on the desk, the afternoon sun catching the droplets within it. <blockquote>“So this weekend, as the city hums and you head home to family, suya, and a cold malt—please let it go. Drop today’s worries as easily as I’ve set down this water. Rest well. Wake up tomorrow renewed, ready to face Philosophy 401 again with clarity and strength.”</blockquote> --- Happy weekend, everyone—may your burdens be as light as a sachet of water!

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