These Wilds Beyond Our Fences: The Radical Embrace Of The Spaces Beyond “Knowing” with Bayo Akomolafe
Today, we are honoured to have Bayo Akomolafe with us—writer, speaker, and philosopher who brings a radically different lens to how we engage with the world’s complexities. Known for his concept of "staying with the trouble," Bayo challenges the conventional rush to fix things, urging us instead to embrace the confusion and uncertainty that arise when we encounter the limits of our knowledge.
Bayo’s journey began in Nigeria and has taken him across continents, from the trauma of personal loss to exploring the wisdom of Indigenous cultures and the profound teachings of traditional healers. Founder of The Emergence Network and author of These Wilds Beyond Our Fences, Bayo’s work calls on us to rethink how we face crises, not by offering solutions but by creating new spaces for deeper inquiry and transformation.
In this episode, Bayo shares his thoughts on decolonisation, collective responsibility, AI’s challenge to our human centrality, and the transformative power of post-activism. This is a conversation that will change how you see the world—and yourself.
In this thought-provoking conversation, Bayo Akomolafe invites us to explore the depths of uncertainty, confusion, and the beauty found within the "cracks" of our understanding. He encourages us to "stay with the trouble," using moments of confusion as opportunities for growth, rather than rushing to solve or escape them. Throughout the discussion, Bayo explores themes of decolonisation, Indigenous wisdom, and the collective responsibility we all share in times of global crisis. Reflecting on his personal journey through grief and loss, Bayo shares how moments of personal darkness often spark profound philosophical inquiry.
The conversation further delves into the impact of AI, not just on technology, but on our claims to human exclusivity. Bayo introduces the concept of post-activism, urging us to reconsider our roles in the movement for change, moving beyond traditional activism to embrace a deeper, more transformative approach.
Key Takeaways:
Listening Deeply: Cultivate the art of listening with the same passion you wish to be heard.
Embrace Confusion: "Staying with the trouble" means embracing confusion and using it as a space for inquiry, not resolution.
Cracks as Wisdom: New ways of thinking emerge from the cracks in our understanding, offering pathways to greater wisdom.
Decolonising Our Narratives: Reclaiming diverse voices and integrating Indigenous wisdom is essential for reshaping the future.
Inner Work Beyond the Self: Inner work must always be considered within the broader context of our ecological and communal responsibilities.
Grief and Hope Coexist: Even in moments of crisis, grief and hope can find balance and coexist, each informing the other.
Personal Loss as Catalyst: Grief, when embraced, can deepen one's philosophical and spiritual journey.
AI as a Challenge: Artificial Intelligence challenges our central role in the world, questioning humanity's sense of superiority.
Post-Activism: Moving beyond traditional activism, post-activism asks us to rethink how we engage with social and systemic change.
Chapters Breakdown:
00:00 – Introduction to Bayo Akomolafe
02:20 – What Does it Mean to 'Stay with the Trouble'?
10:47 – Embracing the Cracks: Learning from Monsters and Uncertainty
18:54 – Decolonising Narratives and Reclaiming Indigenous Wisdom
24:14 – Inner Work, Collective Responsibility, and Ecological Thinking
30:21 – Grief and Hope: Navigating Crisis with Both in Hand
38:13 – Bayo's Personal Journey Through Grief and Transformation
42:48 – Translating Knowledge from the Cracks and Empowering Others
51:14 – AI and the Colonisation of Intelligence: What It Means for Humanity
01:00:58 – Rethinking Social Change: The Idea of Post-Activism
