TRIUMPH OF THE IDIOTS
Computers were not always thought
to be “personal computers”. Over the years, the gradual efforts of many different
men and women climaxed after the world war. The work of famed mathematician Alan
Turing set the pace for the unfolding of a kind of revolution the world has
never seen before. What emerged out of the World War were massive, football-sized machines that performed mathematical functions, and not very much functions
at that. By 1970, these devices had evolved to the point where hobbyists, nerds,
and electronic buffs could purchase and program them for fun. But even at this
point, the nerds were not considered to be important people in society and
their hobbies (tinkering devices) were almost unknown to the rest of the world. Led
by the evolution of microprocessors, computers became smaller as the years progressed.
Almost all, if not all, of the computer development, happened in California
Santa Clara Valley, a place nicknamed Silicon Valley. Silicon Valley was the
home for nerds who didn’t care to shower, check their clothing, build a family,
schooling and all the other things that the society cared about. It was a safe
haven for the misfits.
Sometimes in the 1970s, these
hobbyists began to form companies. Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak formed Apple,
Paul Allen and Bill Gates formed Microsoft and several others founded other
companies. These companies changed the definition of computers. Computers became
“personal computers”. A few years after that, these hobbyists, nerds, and misfits
became very rich and their inventions have influenced the world more than the
decision of politicians.
In 1996, Robert
Cringely chronicled the evolution of the computer age from the end of the Second
World War to 1995, he titled it “TRIUMPH OF THE NERDS”. Those hobbyists, nerds,
outcasts, misfits triumphed. They made more money than anyone in modern history.
One of them, Bill Gates was the richest man in the world for 20 years. Their hobby
has become one of the most paid occupations. Computers have influenced every facet
of life. Their companies are worth billions of dollars, they are among the most
admired men and women in the world. Those born in the years after 1980 cannot
even imagine a world without their inventions! The nerds, indeed, triumphed. They
are now heroes. They rule the world!
Since 1960, there was always a problem
with (and in) Nigeria. Despite these, Nigerians always had hope. The elite held on believing things will be
better. Each military regime rose their hopes only to dash it with something
worse than the previous regime. During the IBB regime in the 1980s, these elites
became tired of the failed promises. They departed from Nigeria to seek other opportunities
better lives for them and their families. Most of those who left were the very
best of the nation! What resulted was that those who were left behind were not
the best and this crop of men and women suddenly took over jobs, offices, and
tasks that they did not know how or deserve to be doing. Some of the best who
were left behind retired because the system became toxic for them. The impact
of this mass exodus is still evident in the way things are done. Of course,
there were still some very outstanding persons that stayed behind.
As the years advanced, this cloud
of hopelessness did not depart. More skilled people departed, while the system
continued to be dominated by the corrupt, inept and unscrupulous citizens. Right
now, when one diagnoses the system we have in place, it is largely dominated by
these same class of citizens. The ones who ask for a bribe before doing their
job, do not come to work, do not want to innovate, do not care about whether or
not country gets better, no, in fact, they do not want the country to get
better. The IDIOTS HAVE TRUIMPHED. They now own the system.
Not just in this, in the
intellectual conversations we hold as a nation, we have allowed the IDIOTS to triumph.
I have always wondered how we allowed bigots to become the dominant commenters on
national issues. Those who should lead have receded, those who should lead the conversations
have chosen to be silent, those who should form policies have rather opted to have
their peace. Our most popular public figures are those who should not have a
place in a sane society. The heroes that my generation encountered are the most
corrupt and inept of the previous generation. Even today, societal issues are
left in the hands of men and women whose voice should not be heard in a country
that is normal. Our very best still do not have a place in society, neither
does it appear that they want a place. The best are rejected, while those
willing to play according to the caprices of the system rise easily.
It was in 1980’s that the nerds triumphed
in America and built the infrastructure that powers the economy of the 21st
Century. It was also in 1980 that the idiots triumphed in Nigeria.
It’s time to change this.
The late Prof. Pius Adesanmi insisted
on contributing in the conversations that happened in Nigeria. He did this,
right until his death. In fact, one of the last things he did before his sudden
death was writing a piece on Nigeria.
He did not allow himself to be bullied
by the custodians of the system even though they attacked him furiously.
I used to write about various
issues on my blog and on this space until the 2019 election, the lack of logical
and reasonable conversations pushed me away. I could not live with the stupidity
of conversing with warriors that were not interested in facts and data. I am ashamed
of myself for not holding further. I’m now a repentant FANATIC. If those who are
wrong can be radical, what more about us?
It’s for this reason that I will
be volunteering on Patris Radio for community watch. It’s also for the same reason
that I will be writing 1 article every week. It’s also part of the reason I’ll
be teaching in a government school in Jenta. Truth cannot be a bully, but it
can be firm. I will be firm.
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