“Until the lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter”
— Chinua Achebe
Simplified Meaning:
When people tell stories, they usually show themselves in a good light. Imagine a hunter who goes out to hunt a lion. When he tells the story, he will describe how brave and skilled he was. But the lion cannot tell its side of the story, so we never hear about the lion's strength or struggle. This means history, or the stories we hear, can be one-sided and not always fair to everyone involved. In everyday life, it’s important to listen to different perspectives. For example, in a conflict between two kids at school, one might tell the teacher how the other was mean. However, if the teacher only listens to one child, they might not understand the full situation. By hearing both children, the teacher can get a better picture and make a fair decision. People can use this idea in their own lives by seeking out multiple viewpoints before forming an opinion. This can apply in workplaces, relationships, or when learning about history. By doing this, they honor the experiences of all parties involved, not just the more dominant voices.