The Gift and the Impediment: The Promises and the Perils of Igbo Worldview

The author explored the meaning and the impact of worldview in general, and specifically, examined the worldview of Igbo people as both fundamental and foundational to how the Igbos think and act. Through robust familiarization with Igbo cultural worldview as an insider, and the use of different ways of acquiring knowledge, the author identified character traits that are often commonly associated with the Igbos by the outsiders. Those character traits were expanded and explained as gifts that need to be celebrated and not suppressed or subdued. But when those character traits are displayed excessively, and out of context and proportion, they could become impediments. Thus, the need for moderation was underscored. The author contended that in order to understand the Igbos accurately, one needs to possess genuine epistemic curiosity and make a genuine commitment to understanding Igbo cultural worldview. Equally important, the Igbos should make a strong commitment to understanding the cultural worldview of others.