Lalibela’s Wise Man is a recently published book by Zimbabwean born Matshona Dhliwayo. A highly readable story, the book, according to its author, is to ‘inform others that Africans are just as wise as anyone’.

Born in Harare, Zimbabwe, Matshona Dhliwayo lives in Toronto, Canada. He is the CEO of Wisdom Inc. and the author of ‘Dinner with King Solomon,’ ‘100 Lessons Every Great Man Wants You to Know,’ ‘50 Lessons Every Wise Mother Teaches her Son,’ and ‘Knowledge.’

His latest book, ‘Lalibela’s Wise Man’ tells the story of how, following his father’s death, Christian is denied his inheritance. Disowned by his brothers, and thrown out of the family mansion, his life takes a terrible turn until he embarks on a life changing trip to Ethiopia to meet Lalibela’s wisest man.

ReConnect Africa spoke to Matshona about his motivation for writing and the lessons he wants to share in his latest book.

ReConnect Africa: Matshona, what prompted the storyline of this book?

Matshona Dhliwayo: Studying Western philosophy, I was surprised to find that Western scholars believed there were no sages and no philosophers in Africa and yet, paradoxically, and according to scholars, philosophy began in Africa centuries before Western Europe was even literate.

ReConnect Africa: What are the main lessons you want to teach through your book?

Matshona Dhliwayo: A step towards what you fear is a step towards liberty. An ounce of intelligence will benefit you more than a pound of strength. You do not distinguish yourself by being like everyone else; you distinguish yourself by being unlike anyone else.

ReConnect Africa: How have these lessons impacted your own life and the challenges you encounter?

Matshona Dhliwayo: I have learned to view challenges as opportunities, and that your greatest blessings come from your greatest tests.

ReConnect Africa: What are you hoping to focus your next book on?

Matshona Dhliwayo: My next book is titled Yahwehology. It is an anthology of Psalms dedicated to Yahweh.

ReConnect Africa: How can our readers buy a copy of ‘Lilibela’s Wise Man’?

Matshona Dhliwayo: The book can be purchased from www.wisdominc.ca EBooks can be purchased from amazon.com