‘My reflection on random things led to this book’

Bello Muhammad Bello, who holds a master’s in Public Administration from the University of the District of Columbia, Washington, USA. He has written a book of aphorism titled Small World, Golden Words, which comprised truths he has observed and put into words. In this short and sharp interview, he talks about how his passion for […]

Bello Muhammad Bello, who holds a master’s in Public Administration from the University of the District of Columbia, Washington, USA. He has written a book of aphorism titled Small World, Golden Words, which comprised truths he has observed and put into words. In this short and sharp interview, he talks about how his passion for aphorism and writing.

 

Could you tell us where your interest in aphorisms came from?

I grew up listening to my grandfather’s frequent use of proverbs, and after he passed, I learned that he (my grandfather) preferred to speak with economy to keep from having to speak excessively. When I look back, I realize that my penchant for aphorisms began from this early influence.

When did you make the decision to write your own books of aphorism?

Well, I started writing my own aphorisms around 2008 while I was in College. Though, it was not until around 2013 that I thought to make them into a book.

Considering that aphorisms are capsules of truths, and as you said during our conversation that people are averse to truth, why then did you insist on writing this book?

There are many things people don’t like, yet, they find beneficial. Many people don’t like the bitterness of medicines, but they still take them when they are sick. Remember we also talked about the various means of expression for creative artists. In my case, aphorisms gets the job done for me.

What are the sources of the aphorisms in your book? How did you come about them?

I often find myself reflecting on random events, and observing patterns of behaviour. In my introduction, I referred to the words of former German Chancellor, Konrad Adenauer – “We all live under the same sky, but we don’t all have the same horizon.”

What has been the reactions to this first book of your?

The reactions have been mixed thus far. Many people enjoy reading them, while others think they are a bit too serious, and so on. And I understand that aphorisms are not as popular as they used to be, so it’s alright if only few readers find them to be interesting.

This is your first book but you mentioned you plan to pursue a career in writing. What direction will your writing take in the near future?

I don’t plan to stop writing aphorisms, but I may consider exploring other forms. Let’s see what happens.