Most mistakes in life don’t come from laziness or lack of talent — they come from a lack of context. Without context, we react blindly, misjudge situations, and sometimes create permanent damage. With context, we gain wisdom, patience, and the ability to lead with clarity.

The Yoruba remind us: “Òwe lẹ́ṣin òrò; bí òrò bá sọnù, owe la fi ń wá a” — proverbs are the horses of words; when words are lost, we use proverbs to find them. In other words, wisdom doesn’t just live in words, but in the background that gives them meaning.

In this episode, Papa O unpacks:

Why context is the lens that separates wisdom from foolishness.

How missing context fuels conflict in workplaces, marriages, and friendships.

The danger of half-truths in media, headlines, and social media.

Five key areas where context shapes life: decision-making, relationships, history and culture, leadership, and fatherhood.

A practical framework — Pause, Probe, Proceed — to help you act with clarity instead of impulse.

💡 One Step This Week: Before reacting, pause and ask: “What am I missing? What don’t I know yet?”

“Context is not optional. It is the difference between wisdom and foolishness, peace and conflict, heritage and confusion.”

Inside Patreon, you’ll find Letters for My Sons: Unfolded — the raw and personal reflections on context, including mistakes Papa O made and the lessons learned. It’s too unfiltered for the public, but essential for men building legacy. Join us here: patreon.com/PapaO_FMS