Eta lawa: Fun and Flex takes Intelligence
I have read and heard about all kinds of intelligence—adaptive quotient (AQ), intelligence quotient (IQ), and emotional quotient (EQ). But we hardly hear about the intertwined relationship between intelligence, play, and fun.
In his book, A Whole New Mind, Daniel Pink recognizes play as a form of intelligence that comes from the right side of our brain. Pink argues that play is an essential part of work, business, and personal well-being, manifesting itself in three ways: games, humor, and joyfulness. Our left and right sides of the brain need to work symbiotically for a fully functional human. Most innovations and inventions have come out of playful experimentation with ideas in the lab and in the field. When we ignore play, the right side of our brain remains underdeveloped.
The implication is that we must find a way to play and work, work and play. Both reduce our chances of stress and burnout. Fun and leisure while working and with work do not reduce the seriousness, focus, and attention to our work; rather, they make work less of a torture. It takes intelligence to engage in meaningful leisure activities and fun that do not harm you or pose threats to others. Daniel Pink says that play and fun are forms of intelligence; those who master both will rule the world.
“Eta lawa" is a colloquialism in Nigerian popular culture derived from the Yoruba idea of recreation, fun, flex, cruise, and leisure. It is arguably a slangification (with a nod to Tosin Gbogi) that references being on stage, outside, in public, or out for fun. The term "Eta index" (public) was later expanded to include concepts such as "ere ori Eta ge," which refers to a screenplay or stage play.
It is time for our own intellectual carnival, a festival of ideas! Intellectual Eta Lawa is the Annual Lagos Studies Association (LSA), a community that brings together academics and practitioners. The conference is a rare combination of learning, laughter, and love that brings together knowledge creators and practitioners from various continents and regions around the world.
The event will take place in person at the University of Lagos and via Zoom from June 17-21, with a link to join embedded in the document's comment section. Participants will choose from 255 panels.
People have asked me the following questions in different variations:
How do I publish my book with a prestigious press? Book editors are waiting to answer this.
What does it take to publish in a non-predatory journal? Journal editors will speak to this.
How can I apply for an academic job in Europe and America? Newly hired faculty will attend and share experiences.
What is my teaching pedagogy, and how can I develop a personal teaching philosophy? Come listen to seasoned and early-career scholars.
How do I apply for a fellowship and grant? You will hear from past and current winners of cutting-edge fellowships and grants.
How do I apply for graduate school abroad? Come listen to present and past students share their process and experience.
What are the latest and cutting-edge books in arts and humanities? There are 22 books up for discussion.
In addition, there will be film screenings, dance performances, and critical-celebratory panels featuring experts in the fields.
All these “Etalawa” are available free of charge! Enhancing your life and career comes at no cost to your pocket, liver, kidney, or other damages.
In the meantime, Happy Father's Day! Most importantly, to the man who makes "father" and "fatherhood" delightful words for me. Pa Remilekun Johnson Popoola
