Unoka went into an inner room and soon returned with a small wooden disc containing a kola nut, some alligator pepper and a lump of white chalk. "I have kola, " he announced when he sat down, and passed the disc over to his guest. "Thank you. He who brings kola brings life. But I think you ought to break it, " replied Okoye passing back the disc. "No, it is for you, I think, " and they argued like this for a few moments before Unoka accepted the honor of breaking the kola. Okoye, meanwhile, took the lump of chalk, drew some lines on the floor, and then painted his big toe. . Chinua Achebe
About This Quote

The story above is about the secret of Yoruba society. The reason why some people are respected and others are not is based on the way they interact with their community. The person who brings kola into the community also brings life. He or she is a key member of the community, because if they are not part of it, it would cease to exist.

The person who brought kola is honored because he or she brings the natural essence of life into action. He or she is responsible for keeping their community alive, by bringing in the kola plant, which is regarded as a symbol of life itself. As soon as Unoka takes out the disc with kola, he is recognized as a member of the society.

Before he breaks it he says that he thinks that Okoye should break it, because breaking it means that Okoye has taken on the responsibility of keeping his family alive.

Source: Things Fall Apart

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