Identity & Empathy, Ayishat Akanbi

[@nkanyezimasondo]

I'm glad she put emphasis on empathy and understanding, too often those of us who push back against wokeness don't practice this and it only creates more polarization. The lack of spirituality is also something that needs more attention especially in an age of transition, rampant misinformation and information overload. Being spiritually developed helps one discern reality more clearly

[@nkanyezimasondo]

@kenniSENDit Yes, I read it a about a year or so ago. Definitely the best book I've read in regards to political polarization and how to better understand one another

[@ewanbleach]

@@nkanyezimasondo What is this book you read? The comment you are replying seems to have been deleted! It sounds really interesting

[@nkanyezimasondo]

@@ewanbleach “The Righteous Mind - Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion” by Jonathan Haidt

[@ewanbleach]

@@nkanyezimasondo Thankyou!

[@activistmalpractice]

A lot of "anti-woke" is just "pre-woke" instead of "post-woke."

[@troypresley]

“There are no good people, only flawed people trying to get better”. Great way to summarize humanity

[@kenfunk2391]

9:00 "Your identity is not synonymous with virtue." Thank you, I will remember that line.

[@michaelnice93]

So much of what she says and who’s work she’s into resonates with me too. Sweetness.

[@jmeelallen7635]

Another brilliant interview. Ayishat is honest, intelligent and has a brilliantly grounded perspective. This is what is needed right now.

[@soulmechanics7946]

"What is radical is kindness and understanding." 👏👏👏 Nail on the head. 🚫➗👊

[@DarkMoonDroid]

_"That's the one thing they don't want us to do is understand each other."_

[@soulmechanics7946]

@@DarkMoonDroid As it happens, understanding each other is the only missing piece to completing the puzzle of understanding everything else. Without it, the existential "magic-eye" remains scrambled.. but with it, common sense begins to pop out of the woodwork, and we each become suddenly a great deal more consequential in the scheme.

[@anominousanonymous9344]

@@DarkMoonDroid that's because, if we understand each other, we will listen to each other. If we listen to each other we may find common ground and therefore agree with each other. Once we agree with each other we will uncover those who few people who remain that we TRULY don't agree with... and those are the manipulating, evildoers who control every aspect of our lives and politics.

[@anominousanonymous9344]

@@soulmechanics7946 I read your comment after writing mine and feel as though it perfectly correlates with what I was thinking as well.

[@soulmechanics7946]

Invitation issued. #TheAbyssStaresBack

[@Lindsoiderf]

What a brilliant and kind human.... thank you for being here.

[@stvbrsn]

Beautiful. There’s something here that I’ve been saying for a couple years now, but this is the first time I’m hearing someone else articulating it in the same manner: “Woke” being a past-tense verb, as if the work is all done. Mission accomplished. Whereas, anyone seeking attainment (whether spiritual or intellectual) knows full well that the work is never done. There are seekers and there are (as the guest put it) the “anti-curious.”

[@chiaradina]

stvbrsn brilliant. Utterly agree. 🙏🏼

[@markcounseling]

I'm finding a number of black intellectuals that are critical of the woke worldview, including Ayishat Akanbi, Glenn Loury, John McWhorter, Coleman Hughes, and others, to be offering some of the most insightful commentary regarding our current moment. In each case, there's this emphasis on personal autonomy and development, the idea that we can choose how to engage our world. We can choose to understand ourselves as a victim, or not -- regardless of what the world does.

[@ryue65]

Mark Counseling well said

[@Ajax-wo3gt]

Yes, I agree, but this isn't anything new really. I wonder if it's so novel because they have dark skin and we're being told that only white people make such assertions as a means of suppressing ethnic minorities in majority white countries. I've started to pay attention more to black intellectuals, but I'm not really finding all that much difference between what they say and what someone like Jordan Peterson says. He's just an example, there are plenty of others out there too. Jonathan Haidt, Peter Begosian (spelling?), etc...

[@romansobak8333]

Ajax 1983 I think that may be example of her saying that being black doesn’t mean empathy towards those black people who are victimised daily.

[@Ajax-wo3gt]

@@romansobak8333 I can't understand what you're writing here. I'm guessing English isn't your first language. That's not a criticism, but you're sentence needs rewriting.

[@Milanvaneijk]

Don't forget Thomas Chatterton Williams, he wrote a fantastic book called ''Self-Portrait in Black and White: Unlearning Race''

[@crinanthethane9386]

The color of my socks tells more about me than the color of my body. 🙏🏼❤️

[@goldn909]

😂❤️

[@tallperson717]

Legendary We need to encourage a civic Nationalism. It is the ONLY peaceful way forward, I feel

[@andrewbuhman1066]

"I think it lacks a lot of humility." That's the biggest understatement since Noah said it looks like rain...

[@MatthewJohnCrittenden]

I'm nicking that, ta!

[@andrewbuhman1066]

@@MatthewJohnCrittenden No problem. I knocked it from William Frawley.

[@advocate1563]

When we have to call out the obvious we are in a dark place.

[@valthirteen]

"Fixation with identity, limits who you are." It also precludes the transcendental. Enlightening exchange. So good.

[@goldn909]

💯

[@GnuReligion]

Ayishat Akanbi's incompatibility with Wokeness: "I see it as an anti-curious movement." " ... selling self-sabotage under the banner of empowerment." " ... aggravating racial tension."

[@ransbarger]

Thank you. Perfect.

[@onefugue]

I really liked when she said that her race and other "identities" were the least interesting things about her. Whereas woke culture elevates these identities to the point where they eclipse much more important qualities, such as our character.

[@GnuReligion]

@@onefugue I liked that too: "We are creating the ground to be easily manipulated, if we are only going to take someone at their word because of their identity. It's actually not that important to me ... being black, being a woman, my sexuality ... these are probably the least interesting things about me." Liked her comments about how empathy between different identity groups is really not so hard, as well.

[@GnuReligion]

@@onefugue Admittedly, I started this vid with a lot of prejudice against Ayishat. She, being a young black woman, with a lot of bling, and a Brit accent. This is the polar opposite of my police description. Am enthralled that she is able to dispassionately speak to the stark difference between woke values, and liberal values. Astride two worldviews, she can see both clearly. To me, the scariest thing about wokism, is the projection of ones own worst feelings on the wide world of non-believers, who are not in the cult.

[@bbbushhh]

...she is amazing.....I am washed over by a great wave of optimism when I hear her speak.....practically brings me to tears.....thanks SO much Ayishat....

[@tallperson717]

I'm brought to tears by her, too (literally). It feels like such a relief to hear someone who's willing to listen to my right-wing views when I'm always told how evil I am for holding them. Also, there's an element of tragedy because of all the abuse she's had. Finally, she's sort-of cute to look at. She looks about eight 😅

[@Milanvaneijk]

Two beautiful souls engaging in an authentic, deep, and good-faith conversation. It is so damn refreshing. 🙏🏻🖤

[@quoudten]

45:15 "conflict is conformist" brilliant concept worth mulling over...

[@activistmalpractice]

no, it's not!!!

[@activistmalpractice]

;)

[@Conversations970]

I FEEL everything she talks about. My daughter took her life 2 years ago after spending time with a "shaman". In her journals the shaman kept telling and telling her that she doesnt fit and that she was weak. She was wrong...........my daughter was love, light and a beautiful soul x 100. Her religious family didnt understand her love for nature, the world etc. The enlightened shaman didnt understand her either. Driven by her knowledge as a shaman, she drove a beautiful soul to write the words " I fuck everything up......its time to go home" I wish all those who considered themselves "spiritual" could listen to this podcast and soak it in. ABSOLUTELY genuine human being. My respect to you. How I wish Sydney could have connected with all of you listening and responding via comments. Many many blessings

[@bizarro20daves]

That's heartbreaking to hear. That was no shaman, that was a controlling evil human. My condolences.

[@lookingforwisdom-t6p]

That is awful really feel for you. So many shamans seem more intent on the power of the role than genuine deep healing for the world. i am very sorry this happened

[@MegnificenceQ]

Thank you for sharing your story about your daughter. I think it's important people hear about these sorts of experiences, so people others are careful and discerning when working with someone who calls themselves a shaman. I believe healers, guides, and shamans must empower their clients first and foremost. I wish you much care and gentleness on your journey.

[@DannyMulhernComposer]

Another wonderful interview. She’s great. You guys are master curators for people looking to make good sense. Thank you again. x

[@unwrittenbylj]

If we’re not curious, then we can’t understand things and if we can’t understand things, these things might control us... so many people aren’t curious! And my curiosity kicked in for the past few years and I can’t imagine not living fully in this spiritual journey for knowledge and understanding. I love it! ✨

[@littlebird3495]

Peace Love LJ I’m very much also in the place you describe. My spiritual journey and my incessant curiosity go hand and hand-it’s a wonderful thing! The non curious are missing out big time lol

[@cocoop]

Amazing. I love her approach, coming from empathy, and a sharp intellect.

[@iAmTheSquidThing]

Ahh yes. She's one of my new favourite people.

[@jessicaporter4194]

I like the same people 😁

[@denniskillin9853]

We need to hear more from those who have been perceived as having been ignored for so long

[@denniskillin9853]

The way we live has been about exclusion rather than inclusion there are so many people whose talents are wasted because of how they,re seen . Where are for example disabled voices we have something to say about our life experiences

[@tallperson717]

I fuckin love her, too

[@TessaTickle]

ALRIGHT ANDY?

[@rosiemc8812]

There is so much love in her words. Beautiful 🥰💛 Thank you 🙏

[@vickieperrie3201]

Wow, Wow, Wow! Such wisdom coming from one so relatively young! With each incredible question David asked, I was riveted, and then stunned by the depth and breath of Ayishat's understanding. Her wisdom combined with her ability to communicate the concepts she espouses was a tour de force!

[@lifeis4living_]

She is empathetically real! Love her!!

[@marthahopewell]

Such a brilliant, inspirational woman! So appreciative of her and glad she is being heard. I wish I could speak as clearly as her. And good questions asked to draw out Ayishat’s depth.

[@kath.7493]

Ayishat, you are an inspiration. You have motivated me to take a step back from my anger with the downward spiral on the left, and approach those on that path from a place of curiosity and compassion instead horror and disgust. I was betraying my own intentions and had fallen off my own path. Thank you for lighting the way. And whether you can see us or know us personally or not, please know that you DO have a tribe. Because we are the introspective, curious wandering tribe, we tend to be rather scattered through space and time.

[@gabilurio4270]

Ayishat Akambi is such a beautiful person! I feel like she has spoken to my soul. Thank you, David, for creating this channel and creating a tribe for us tribeless (or for those who identify themselves as part of the human tribe, with warts and all).

[@andreh3387]

Some great and important insights by this wise young lady. A delightful breath of fresh air and the way we need to go! I also believe "we will be in a good place is they are the least interesting things about us all".

[@phoenixrising1675]

I always get so much value when I hear Ayishat speak. What a wise and humble being…. Love her..

[@ljr6723]

So true. To belong to any tribe always seems to involve some compromise. Maybe it's just me but for someone who self identifies as a poor student Ayishat is the most clear spoken, intelligent and wise person I have heard in a long time. No obscurity in vocabulary or convolutions of philosophical conceptions. Very refreshing conversation.

[@LLlap]

Its sad that this absolutely normal worldview is something so rare now that it is treated as a gem.

[@catherinegraves9330]

I've watched a lot of your videos and I find my thinking expanding with so many of them. But what I love about this video is that I felt both my mind and my embodied wisdom expanding. Hard to explain, but I really came away from watching this one feeling more peaceful, mindful and CURIOUS! Thank you both for taking the time to make and share this conversation.

[@KristiPelegrin]

Brilliant. Simply brilliant. (47:30) How do we do it? How do we become more understanding & overcome our compulsions; a very good question indeed. "...by recognizing and fully contending with our own capacity for destruction... ...and really holding the ugly parts of what it means to be human and recognizing that they are in us." Ayishat is quite impressive. and Bravo Rebel Wisdom- thank you for what you're doing.

[@jamiedorsey4167]

She's such an impressive individual, so wise and compassionate.

[@heidivanloosbroek8095]

What a brilliant conversation in every sense of the word ✨Thank you.

[@jordedge7979]

This is so profound and I'm 5 minutes in

[@scentedlove2537]

Beautiful person and message. ♥️

[@sheilasly350]

What a wonderful young person, thank you for your thoughts Ayishat

[@catherinehart3775]

What a wonderful soul! So happy to get to listen to the beauty that is Ayishat Akanbi ❤️

[@joelmartin2826]

Big fan of Rebel Wisdom! Cheers!

[@Marticat987]

She puts everything out there so beautifully. What a novel idea. Discussion without malice. She is genuine and it shows. ❤️

[@Daneiladams555]

Would love a talk with her and Jordan peterson

[@Theembodimentchannel]

This is excellent. Thank you both

[@littlebird3495]

I’m curious what her questions for Jordan Peterson might be. That would potentially be a great conversation.

[@AnnaT_]

This convo needs to happen.

[@merillyhughes1865]

Jordan is terribly ill @ the moment..Please pray for him.

[@littlebird3495]

Merilly Hughes really sad to hear that-will do 😞

[@anominousanonymous9344]

@@merillyhughes1865 I hope he's not back on painkillers again. No matter how much the person desires a life of sobriety, breaking free from addiction can be nearly (or completely) impossible, especially for folks who are more emotionally intense or empathetic such as Jordan Peterson. I hope I'm just making a baseless assumption, but I know first hand the hell of addiction and it doesn't just go away.

[@tallperson717]

I'm sure that would be a conversation worth listening to

[@SuperTuffgirl]

I watch this channel regularly, and I’m constantly amazed how much I can learn, and teaches me how little I know. When I was a teenager, I thought I knew it all.

[@relativeus]

As we all did when we were teenagers. Becoming self-aware is a lifelong journey.

[@lookingforwisdom-t6p]

Isnt it funny, I was always so deferential to older folks and others, taken my to 59 to say boo to a goose and I am male!

[@DJJonPattrsn22]

What a wonderful, lovely, genuine and wise young woman! I feel able relate to get so well. One of the reasons became clear when she divulged her learning disabilities, all of which I share. I really agree & resonate with every single she says here! Amazing... And I just love how she chooses her words!

[@mrlasttimer]

This woman is awesome

[@HayleeBaely]

Aiyshat, I’m of your tribe. That I know 100%. Each of your words struck notes on my heart that made me feel more seen and loved than I could have ever imagined. Will be rooting you on, forever more! ✨💕 Thank you, beautiful soul.

[@clintnorton4322]

Refreshing. Good to hear a voice for curiosity, exploration, and personal responsibility

[@shahlaahy4372]

Who ever, wherever speaks truth, we deeply feel it as ours as here! Fantastic!

[@jmal716]

One of the most beautiful human beings I've experienced in a while. Thanks to rebel wisdom for exposing me to this individual. We can all learn to be less reactive/emotional to the "other" side and learn empathy.

[@jmal716]

Love how our intrinsic characteristics should be the least interesting parts about us!

[@laurakate3430]

I just feel relief when she speaks. She says so many things that need to be said and can't be heard when spoken by other demographics - ironically since her message is about distinguishing the self from identity of the self

[@gregorykollarus8190]

Love her so much :) wonderful interview. Thank god for people like her.

[@heatherc1563]

Identify politics is a road away from human connections . To meet a person and become friends with no assumptions or judgments is so beautiful and such truth. Great lady gives me much hope. 🌏

[@karlasears9985]

Love it

[@npilgaard]

Excellent! Very interesting - and important! - perspectives she presents, and in an honest and kind way not often seen in the current climate. Impressive! :)

[@MattAngiono]

I LOVE exploring CURIOSITY as well! Such a great way to approach conversation!

[@fiveleavesleft6521]

Excellent, as usual.

[@dangiscongrataway2365]

Thoughts on empathy Empathy is the oldest communication method between nervous systems, which is what we essentially are. We are nervous systems sharing an environment, those early nervous systems that were able to communicate outcompeted those who could not, initially early on. Now it seems we need more of this forgotten communication method between nervous systems. Us, our fellow mammals and all those who are given a subjective experience by their nervous system.

[@soyouwannabeanartist6171]

Ah, Ayishat...always a pleasure to see you get another opportunity to expand and explore your ideas in the flesh. Keep up the good work!

[@bradrandel1408]

David this is one of the best interviews you’ve done so good thank you🦋🕊🌷

[@kennyblobbin]

Love it !! Love this girl. Thankyou!!

[@gianniclaud]

Thank you, Ayishat. I'm deeply inspired by your journey as I can heavily relate to it myself. I feel like you've provided me and many other tools to help navigate these short human experiences, as you say, by just having these discussions. Honesty, curiosity, self-awareness - all deeply fundamental to empathy, and I think WILL allow us to heal all of these things coming to the surface

[@lookingforwisdom-t6p]

What a relief, well said that women

[@JaneMaru777]

yes, Yes, YES When you hear truth, you feel it in your bones.

[@tallperson717]

It's like music to the ears when people like this drop truth-bombs

[@marianaguimaraes9437]

I love this conversation. So fresh, so real... it’s probably the conversation around racism/prejudice that makes most sense to me. Thank you, David and Ayishat. I also really valued B Weinstein’s panel and the quality of the space that they created and held together (though it felt like a very different conversation to this one).

[@davidk7529]

Ayishat Akanbi!!! Automatic like 😆

[@vu4y3fo846y]

More people need to learn to think like this woman

[@fromawayme192]

Once again RW delivers just in time. Empathy, Curiosity and Inquiry are the path forward. Thank You both.

[@Berniesongspirit5]

Absolutely brilliant! What a wise soul! I wish I had known about her before I’d done a facilitator training course last year, in relation to working with BAME and LGBTI+ groups. As one of the few “white heterosexual” participants, I’d consistently felt “cancelled” and was initially left with a sense of my whole life as being a “cultural appropriation”! It took me some time to come back to centre after this experience. Interestingly, the main premise of this course was on self awareness but there was a huge amount of resistance during the self awareness sessions. I totally agree with Ayshat on wokeness as “aggravating racial tension”. My experience with many in this group was that the previously oppressed had become the oppressors!

[@AnatoleBranch]

Beautifully clear and resonates with me completely.

[@badgerlife9541]

She’s very well spoken and knowledgeable. Wonderful! 👏👏

[@preshmajesh]

I just love this. So meaningful.

[@littlebird3495]

This was just awesome-thank you!

[@austinm419]

What a bright and interesting person. I hope we hear more from her.

[@ludawig]

Really enlightening and well-articulated. Thank you both!

[@ninstar8165]

Questioning our own motivations from every angle is healthy. Sometimes the conclusions can be difficult to accept.

[@scootertart]

great chat with a wonderful lady ' we're more interested about being right than being honest' 100% correct!

[@rudstoncullen3410]

Absolutely tremendous!

[@mortishacanniba]

Fantastic!!!

[@deanerhockings-reptilianhu8701]

So happy that we have so many clear voices articulating how the playing field has been laid out. This is a deeply complex moment in human history. Forget 'woke' - I hope to God enough people just see things more clearly.

[@seawitchesmusic]

So beautiful 💗 really pleased to see you interviewing a woman too .. As it has mainly been men which is not a criticism at all I love what you too .. But very happy to see this and the topic of conversation just wonderful

[@Daneiladams555]

Profound

[@godstrong1]

Thank you this interview resonated with me too! Empathy and kindness! You are a reflection of what you say and how you behave. Cheers!

[@NativeEyeFilms]

Brilliant discussion

[@jaszi33]

I flipping love this interview! A timely reminder & honest message with so much depth & insight into what being a human on this spinning rock in a universe is really about. Thank you , it’s going to be my share of the day. Love & peace to you 🧡

[@saul_guudman]

Such an important interview for this channel because it's encouraging that we can arrive at the understanding of each other and unite in the search for meaning without previously knowing the terms so often used in the 'intellectual' sphere. I have learnt much though this channel, ways to articulate what I have learnt through a solo experience, yet like Ayishat, I have always felt the what was required of me was to be able to articulate my thoughts in a way that all people can understand. This is why I have found empathy to be my greatest teacher as it allows me to communicate, learn and grow through connection and communication. Anyway, the gratitude for this is strong, something very important to me is that we need to reach people from all parts of society if we are to heal.

[@arashplz]

thank you David for doing this amazing films

[@SpikeTFA]

Wow, what a gem. Thanks for boosting her signal RW!

[@daniella5884]

Loved this, what a breath of fresh air 😊❤️

[@jennybardoville5455]

Our greatest blindness is how we think society is reality, when it's only a slither of our existence. Therefore, Ayishat is right to encourage self awareness through Spirit.

[@alanski2005]

Excellent, need more of this.

[@susanmaxwell-stewart4269]

Clarity curiosity & compassion need constant practice - what a delightful reminder! RW = my Lifeline

[@s3rutob1]

I really did not expect to agree with this as much as I thought I would, the real gold for me starts at 20:00 mark

[@b1cvxe45]

Great to finally see people of colour on this channel, what a great speaker

[@thecrarion4102]

What a great interview. So much of what was said resonated deeply. I love this channel!

[@mrjones7222]

Thanks

[@gerri49]

Amazing such an enlightened young woman👏 🙀 💕💕

[@anyaskvo]

Thank you both for this 🙏🏾

[@ZardoDhieldor]

She's a good person! I agree 100% with her view on empathy and curiosity and everything really.