Book Review of "Sophia's Fire": A Fako Sage's Ouevre

Reviewed by Emil I Mondoa, MD

Sango Mbella. Sophia’s Fire. Pittsburgh, PA, G&V Publishing. 2005 (ISBN 0-9768150-0-1)

Sango Mbella is the nomme de plume of a United States-based sage and writer, who seems to prefer a degree of anonymity at this time.  His publisher, who sent me a copy of his work, “Sophia’s Fire” describes him as a writer, scientist and entrepreneur and holder of several US and international patents and that he hails from Ambas Bay. I understand when writers want to be anonymous, and have no desire to unmask the man of mystery nor to question his reason for not wanting to take public credit for a well-written and profound book.
Sophia is the Greek goddess of wisdom, and fire is the symbol of energy. That gives one an idea of the scope of the book, whose purpose is to impart the reader with the wisdom required to succeed on earth.

It is a 290 page volume consisting of 289 turgid capsules or aphorisms of the author’s wisdom followed by quotes from great minds past. The titles of the short pieces themselves invite reflection.
The aphorisms are in turn highly principled, opportunistic in other places and strategic in others. But this is after all, a book about success in this world and not in the next.
My only problem with the book is that there are virtually no quotes from African thinkers and writers. Either there are none of any significance or the author did not research them. Many of us have read books (mostly by Americans) about how to achieve success in this world, by such authors as Napoleon Hill and Dale Carnegie. Sango Mbella’s book is a lot more profound than any of these and better written too.
Some quotes from Sophia’s fire:
"An amazing fact about the human condition is that every human has at least one natural talent that can be developed to excellence."
The capacity for self-refinement and development is remarkable in humans once this natural talent(s) has been identified.

When it comes to attaining personal growth, excellence and greatness, therefore, no human is incapable."

Know yourself through personal growth
"If there is only one thing you should know let it be yourself. Until you know yourself, all other knowledge serves no useful purpose.
Sophia's (wisdom's) fire answers these questions by resurrecting the greats, whose minds decorated our world, and whose words now demystify the pursuit of worldly success."

In the pursuit of personal growth
"The paths to greatness are daunting, and therein, even merit desires mercy. What better mercy than the wisdom of those who have been there and have conquered."

Don't be ordinary - develop personal growth.
"Without exception, every human has the ability to attain greatness. There is no human so lacking in talent that they are precluded from attaining excellence in something."

Talent and application through personal growth.
"Regardless of your perception of the universe and your fundamental beliefs, you owe yourself the duty to succeed. All humans are unique and complex entities, with unique dreams and aspirations.
Success starts when dreams meet light and aspirations meet action. The time is ripe to give light to your dreams - Sophia's fire."

Why worry? - develop personal growth
"It is natural to worry. We worry because we don't have control of the world around us. Some imagine the worst and worry about it until it comes to pass only in their own creation. "

Be your own all and all through personal growth.
"Understand yourself well enough to know how to strengthen your weaknesses, rather than just concealing them."

Learn patience through personal growth.
"To procrastinate is to alienate time, and to be impatient is to fight time. You cannot win in either. Use patience to form an ally with time"

Eliminate all passions through personal growth.
"...Unless all passion is eliminated, you are not in complete control of yourself.
I recommend this book, because it is good reading in its own right. In addition, there are precious few books written on the subject matter by Africans. I encountered a few written in Nigeria during my student days, but they were often ridden with errors and poor quality production, that were detrimental to their value.

Visit the book’s website for more details, and to order Sophia’s Fire directly from the publisher.

Comments

[YOTI ELISABETH MUSAKA]

Sango Mbella is a great man.i really enjoyed the book Sophia's Fire.
like anyother writter i think he is inspired.
Keep up Sanga Mbella i shall always pray God should grant you long life.