Henry Odera Oruka Quotes

Henry Odera Oruka was a Kenyan philosopher and the founder of the sage philosophy project, which sought to identify and engage in dialogue with reflective indigenous thinkers in traditional African societies. Trained in Sweden, where he completed a doctorate in philosophy at Uppsala, he taught for nearly three decades at the University of Nairobi, where he founded the Department of Philosophy. The quotes below are attributed to Henry Odera Oruka, organized by topic.

Henry Odera Oruka on Justice

Attributed to Henry Odera Oruka:

“The poverty of nations is a moral problem before it is a technical one.”
Attributed to Henry Odera Oruka:

“Human rights become real only when they are tied to a duty to share.”

Henry Odera Oruka on Knowledge

Attributed to Henry Odera Oruka:

“Sage philosophy investigates the thought of those rare individuals in traditional society who reflect critically on inherited beliefs.”
Attributed to Henry Odera Oruka:

“Africa has both folk sages and philosophic sages.”
Attributed to Henry Odera Oruka:

“Wisdom is a critical engagement with the worldview of one's community, not its passive repetition.”