Noam Chomsky: The Silence of a Giant and the Echo of His Words

 At 95, Noam Chomsky—the formidable American philosopher, linguist, and political analyst—loses his ability to speak and write. For a man who spent a lifetime dismantling illusions, exposing power structures, and defending the oppressed, this marks not just the silencing of a voice, but the relinquishing of the throne of words. Yet, words are not merely spoken or written; they endure, they are passed down, and they ignite minds long after their author has fallen silent. Chomsky’s legacy is carved into history, with reflections that continue to challenge authority and awaken critical thought.

A World Without Poor Countries, Only Failed Systems

Chomsky’s assertion that “there are no poor countries, only failed systems of resource management” is a direct challenge to the myths of poverty. Natural wealth exists across the globe, yet mismanagement, corruption, and external exploitation keep many nations impoverished. This is not an accident but a consequence of deliberate policies—both domestic and foreign—that funnel wealth away from the people and into the hands of elites. His words remind us that poverty is not destiny; it is an engineered outcome.

The Burden of Seeking Truth

“No one will place the truth in your mind; it is something you must discover for yourself.” This reflects Chomsky’s lifelong advocacy for independent thinking. Governments, corporations, and media outlets construct narratives designed to benefit the powerful. To passively accept these narratives is to become a pawn in their game. Truth is not handed out like a gift; it must be sought with diligence, skepticism, and courage.

The Manufactured Enemy and the Savior Illusion

Chomsky understood the mechanics of control: “If you want to control a people, create an imaginary enemy that appears more dangerous than you, then present yourself as their savior.” History is littered with such tactics—wars waged against invented threats, fear campaigns that justify oppression, and political leaders who manufacture crises only to present themselves as the solution. From the Cold War to the War on Terror, the pattern repeats, keeping populations distracted and obedient.

Rights Are Not Given—They Are Taken

History teaches hard truths, and Chomsky distilled one of the most important: “One of the clearest lessons of history: rights are not granted; they are taken by force.” The powerful never surrender their privileges willingly. Every civil right, from free speech to labor protections, has been won through struggle. Those who wait for justice to be granted remain forever at the mercy of those who withhold it.

The Myth of the Great Man

Society is shaped not by lone heroes but by collective action. Chomsky warned: “There is a purpose behind distorting history to make it seem like only great men achieve significant things. It teaches people to believe they are powerless and must wait for a great man to act.” The idea that change depends on a single extraordinary individual serves only to pacify the masses. Real power lies in collective movements.

The Danger of a Shallow West

Perhaps one of Chomsky’s most prophetic warnings is this: “The West will one day regret its shallow ideas that alienate people from their true nature. One must seek the right religion and the right belief.” The Western world, in its relentless pursuit of materialism and hyper-individualism, often disregards deeper existential truths. As spiritual emptiness grows, the West may come to realize that wisdom lies in rediscovering a lost sense of meaning.

Chomsky’s Legacy: A Voice That Cannot Be Silenced

Even as Chomsky’s voice fades, his words remain immortal. His reflections are not merely observations; they are tools for dismantling illusions and reclaiming power. To honor his legacy is to continue the work—to think critically, resist oppression, and never accept the world as it is, but rather as it should be.

The dangers of dating/marrying high-body count women

 This topic is highly controversial and touches on deeply personal values, cultural norms, and individual perspectives on relationships. While some men may hold concerns about a partner’s past, others place more emphasis on emotional maturity, shared values, and personal growth. With that in mind, let’s explore the concerns raised about dating or marrying a woman with a high number of past partners.

Emotional Baggage and Relationship Challenges

Every relationship leaves a mark. The more relationships a person has been through, the higher the likelihood of accumulated emotional baggage. Unresolved heartbreak, trust issues, and negative experiences can shape a person’s ability to connect deeply in future relationships. A woman who has had many partners may struggle with vulnerability, either because of past betrayals or because she has become emotionally guarded over time.

Difficulty in Pair Bonding

Emotional bonding is crucial in any serious relationship. Some argue that frequent casual encounters or short-term relationships may lead to emotional detachment from intimacy, making it harder for someone to form deep, lasting connections with a long-term partner. If physical intimacy has been repeatedly separated from emotional commitment, it can sometimes create challenges in fully engaging in a monogamous relationship.

Unavoidable Comparisons and Self-Worth Issues

In relationships, comparison can be toxic. A woman with an extensive dating history has inevitably encountered men with different qualities, strengths, and weaknesses. Whether intentional or subconscious, these past experiences can lead to comparisons that may make a new partner feel inadequate or pressured to measure up to an idealized past.

Commitment Struggles and Fear of Stability

Some believe that individuals who have frequently changed partners may have a harder time settling down. If someone is used to variety, excitement, and change, the stability of a long-term relationship might feel restrictive or dull in comparison. This can lead to restlessness, dissatisfaction, and, in some cases, difficulty staying committed over time.

Concerns About Infidelity

There is an argument that those who have experienced frequent short-term relationships may be more likely to struggle with long-term exclusivity. While not universally true, some research suggests that a history of multiple partners correlates with a higher likelihood of infidelity. This is not necessarily about morality but about habit—if someone has spent years avoiding deep commitment, it can be harder to adjust to its demands.

Trust Issues and Security in the Relationship

Even if a woman with a high body count is completely loyal, her past can create insecurity in her partner. Some men might struggle with knowing that their partner has been with numerous other men, leading to doubts, jealousy, or anxiety about her level of commitment. This can create unnecessary tension and strain on the relationship.

Emotional Toughness and Difficulty in Vulnerability

Repeated heartbreaks or disappointments can harden a person. Some women who have had many relationships develop emotional walls to protect themselves from further pain, making it harder for them to be soft, nurturing, and open. This emotional defense mechanism can sometimes make it difficult to foster a warm, affectionate bond.

Potential for Increased Relationship Drama

Frequent past relationships can sometimes mean unresolved connections, lingering exes, or personal baggage that might bring drama into a new relationship. Whether it’s past partners still reaching out, social circles filled with former flames, or unresolved conflicts, this instability can disrupt peace and create unnecessary stress.

Final Thoughts: Choosing With Awareness

Every person brings their past into a relationship. While a high number of previous partners may raise concerns about emotional availability, commitment, and trust, what ultimately matters is who the person is today. Growth, self-awareness, and emotional maturity are far more important than numbers. Instead of fixating on the past, a man should assess a potential partner’s values, mindset, and ability to build a healthy, stable future together.

At the end of the day, choosing a life partner requires wisdom, emotional intelligence, and a shared vision for the future. Choose with awareness—because the past shapes a person, but it doesn’t define them.

So many questions on Judas Iscariot

Could he had chosen NOT to betray Jesus since it was "predestined" that he will? If Jesus was meant to die to save us, and Judas facilitated his death, can't we conclude that Judas is a Hero? 

Why do we blame Judas as if he had a choice? Can't we agree that he was created for that mission or else how can we explain the fact that he remained adamant and unwavering despite all the warnings from Christ? Etc. . . 

I have been trying to avoid these questions. They are not easy questions to answer, the reason that any answer opens up another question especially if the person asking you is looking for logical answers that appeal to reasoning only. 

In my philosophy days, I had once asked my professor that if we claim that God knows everything in details before they happen, it then means that if heaven and hell exist, he knows those who will go to heaven and those who will go to hell. . . 

So, those that will go to hell, do all you can, you will still come down to hell. . . 

Can we call this choice? 

If my actions, good or bad, are known in concrete details to God even before they happen or before I was born, can we call that freedom? If two things are presented before me to choose from, does God know the one I will choose? If he knows, cant it be argued that he "programmed" me like that? 

It is like saying that God is just sitting down somewhere and watching all that he had "programmed" before hand as they unfold. 

Well, these questions are not for baby Christians. . . And most philosophers will agree with me that questions are more important than answers. But fortunately, I am not here to teach philosophy. . .

Karaba Zikurye

Uyu mugani, abantu bawuca iyo bagiye guhana umugiranabi, ni bwo bavuga, ngo: «Karaba zikurye». Wakomotse kuri Mpozayo wo ku Munini wa Muganza mu Buyenzi (Gikongoro); amaze kugura n'umurundi witwa Rusigana imbwa ya Semugeshi yitwaga Horamvuge; ahayinga umwaka w 'i 1600.

Kera ku ngoma ya Mutara Semugeshi mwene Ruganzu Ndoli, hariho umugabo w'umuhigi we wari waragabanye imbwa ze zitwaga Ibitare; ni na yo mpamvu Musinga yise imbwa ze Ibitare zatwarwaga na Shikiri. Uwo muhigi Mpozayo, yarahigaga, agatura ibwami impu z'ibihura n'inzibyi n'imondo.

 

Bukeye Semugeshi atumiza Mpozayo n'izo mbwa yahigishaga. Mpozayo araza n'ishumi ye. Akigera ku karubanda, rubanda babonye Ibitare baratangara bamwe, bati «Ziriya mbwa ni izihe?» Abandi, bati «Ni iza Semugeshi zihigishwa na Mpozayo, ni zo zitwa Ibitare». Ubwo abahigi ba Mpozayo nabo barasira, kuko bari bafite n'inyamaswa bishe. Abo mu rugo ibwami barahurura bumvise umwasiro w'abahigi b'Ibitare na shebuja Mpozayo. Bageze ku karubanda, bamwe basubira inyuma babwira Semugeshi n'abo bari kumwe, bati «Nimuze murebe icyo mutarabona !» Bati «Hano ku karubanda hari imbwa tutarabona mu Rwanda !» Bashigukira icya rimwe, bagenda bumva n'uwo mwasiro w'abahigi.

 

Bagitunguka, bakubise amaso Ibitare baratangara. Mpozayo yegera Semugeshi, ati «Ngaya amatungo yawe !» Semugeshi abonye imbwa ze zifashwe neza aranezerwa. Abwira Mpozayo, ati «Cyura umuhigo». Mpozayo n'abahigi be bajya ibwami, barasira. Ab'ibwami, abozi n'abanyanzoga bashigukira icya rimwe ntihasigara n'umwe utaje gutangara.

 

Umuhigo urataha, ibwami barara inkera yawo. Mpozayo aragororerwa. Ku rindi joro na none ibwami barara inkera y'uwo muhigo. Semugeshi abwira Mpozayo, ati «N'ubwo Ibitare ari nziza, rubanda bose bakaba bazishimye, ariko izindi mbwa zanjye zitwa Ibisiga zizirusha kurunduka». Mpozayo, ati «Kereka twambikiye hamwe ni bwo twamenya intozo zarundutse!» Semugeshi ati «Ejo tuzahige mu rufunzo rwa Mwogo»; dore ko ubwo yari yarasubiye mu rugo rwa se Ruganzu rwari ku Mwugariro wa Bufundu. Barara iyo nkera, mu gitondo bambikira guhiga muri Mwogo; Ibitare zirusha Ibisiga. Barahiguka barara inkera. Semugeshi yegurira Mpozayo ayo mashumi yombi: Ibitare n'Ibisiga, buracya aragororerwa. Ubwo yari atuye ku Munini mu Buyenzi; agororerwa inka n'umusozi witwa Muganza no ku Ngara.

 

Nuko Mpozayo amaze kugororerwa arataha, atunga inka ze n'imisozi ye n'Ibitare n'Ibisiga bya Semugeshi.

Bukeye umuganwa w'i Burundi witwaga Rusigana yumvise ko Mpozayo afite intozo za Semugeshi, atuma abatasi baza kumutata. Baza bamubwira ko Rusigana amushaka; uwo muganwa w'i Burundi yari atuye i Gitwe cya Birangirwa hataraba ah'u Rwanda (ahahoze ari susheferi Nkanda). Mpozayo ajyana n'abo batasi hamwe n'Ibitare n'Ibisiga n'Abahigi be. Ageze i Gitwe, abonana na Rusigana baraganira. Rusigana abona Ibitare n'Ibisiga ziramushimisha. Ni ko kubwira Mpozayo, ati «Sibira na njye mfite imbwa z'intozo ejo tuzahige !» Mpozayo arasibira; arara kwa Rusigana barara inkera. Bucya bambika bajya guhiga mu gishanga cy'umugezi wa Nshili. Bagezeyo, Ibitare n'Ibisiga, zirusha Intarengerwa za Rusigana. Bataha Ibitare n'Ibisiga byishe, Intarengerwa zitahana umutasu (amara masa: umwaku mu muhigo).

 

Nuko bageze imuhira barara inkera y'uwo muhigo, dore ko kera «abanyabyambu (abanyamupaka)» babanaga. Ubwo Rusigana abwira Mpozayo, ati «Nabonye imbwa nziza mu mbwa zawe, tuzayigure». Iyo mbwa yari mu Bisiga, ikitwa Horamvuge. Mpozayo, ati «Sinagurisha imbwa y'umwami byankorera ishyano» Rusigana, ati: «Uzamubwire ko yapfuye !» Mpozayo, ati «Wampa iki ?» Rusigana, ati «Ndaguha inka cumi z'imbyeyi». Mpozayo aremera, atanga Horamvuge; bamuha inka cumi z'imbyeyi.

 

Nuko aragenda, asubira iwe i Muganza mu Buyenzi (ubu hari Paruwasi). Yerekana za nka yaguze Horamvuge, barazishima, ariko n'ubwo bazishimye, abahigi b'Ibisiga bari bababaye. Bigeze n'ijoro, Ibisiga barazishumukura bagenda ijoro ryose, bagera ku Mwugariro mu gitondo. Babura uko bajya ibwami; hari umuhezo. Bigira inama yo kwasira bogeza Ibisiga bazivugamo Horamvuge. Baratangira, Semugeshi arabyumva, ashiguka mu rugo ajya kureba Ibisiga. Ageze ku karubanda, abahigi barasira babivugamo n'uko Mpozayo yaguze Horamvuge n'umurundi. Semugeshi ntiyabyumva abajyana mu rugo babaha inzoga baranywa.

Bamaze kunywa baramubwira, bati «Horamvuge Mpozayo yayiguze n'umuganwa Rusigana; yamuhaye inka cumi; bati «Kandi ngizo n'imbwa zawe uzihe abandi bahigi, ntitwashobora kuzihigisha Horamvuge itazirimo !» Semugeshi abyumvise ararakara. Abwira abahungu, ati «Dutere i Muganza kwa Mpozayo, ariko kandi ntimumwice, mumufate mpiri mumunzanire nzamugaburira Ibisiga !». Baratera, ajyana nabo, batera i Muganza n'i Ngara kwa Mpozayo.

Batungutseyo, bamusakiza atangiye kurya. Yumvise ikiri n'urwamo rw'abahungu n'ibyivugo by'ingabo, ashiguka adakarabye intoki agifite ibyo yafunguraga (ibiryo) mu ntoki; umwe mu z'ibwami witwa Rugara aramubwira, ati «Karaba zikurye sha !» Ubwo yamubwiraga ko agiye kuribwa n'Ibisiga uko Semugeshi yabivuze.

Nuko Mpozayo asubiza Rugara, ati «Ndakaraba muri Nshili nsanga Rusigana i Burundi». Asubira mu nzu afata umuheto we, ngo yari umukogoto, abarasamo baramubererekera; abacamo asanga Rusigana, amusohoza kuri Mwezi; akomeza kuba umuhigi aratona; atoneshejwe na Rusigana baguze Horamvuge ya Semugeshi.

 

Ni aho uwo mugani wakomotse, n'uwa «Ndakaraba muri Nshili» n'ijambo ryo «Kugaburira ibisiga». Aha rero ibisiga bivugwa si ibi biguruka, nk’uko bamwe babikeka, ahubwo ni izina ryahawe imbwa za Semugeshi.

Artificial Intelligence will not kill education, rather save lives

Bamwe barabyemeza abandi bakabihakana

Artificial intelligence will surely take over all professions and jobs. In the near future, machines will take over all the tasks. Humans will be left without any job and the need for education will vanish. People will not want to be educated but rather focus on leisure and fun activities. Education will not be the first need of the people, instead they will prefer to spend their money on entertainment or on luxuries.

Automated and human-in-the-loop technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) systems are making big strides toward advancing clinical practice. AI can improve diagnosis, treatment planning and delivery, and outcome measurement. A growing list of studies is finding that AI systems perform at parity with physicians, while in some cases exceeding them. AI, like healthcare professionals, has many biases and AI systems can learn and apply that.

Case study: Importance/use of artificial intelligence in health and medicine

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize the healthcare industry in numerous ways. Here are some of the most important ways AI is being used in healthcare:

1. Medical Imaging: AI is being used to analyze medical images such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans to help diagnose diseases accurately and efficiently. AI algorithms can detect patterns and anomalies that may not be visible to the human eye, leading to earlier and more accurate diagnoses.
2. Personalized Medicine: AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data to help identify patterns and relationships between genes, diseases, and treatments. This can help doctors develop personalized treatment plans that are tailored to an individual's unique genetic makeup.
3. Drug Discovery: AI is being used to accelerate the drug discovery process by analyzing massive amounts of data to identify potential new drug candidates. This can help researchers identify promising leads faster and more efficiently.
4. Electronic Health Records: AI is being used to analyze electronic health records (EHRs) to help identify patterns and trends in patient data. This can help doctors identify high-risk patients and develop personalized treatment plans that are tailored to an individual's specific needs.
5. Virtual Assistants: AI-powered virtual assistants, such as chatbots and voice assistants, are being used to provide patients with personalized support and guidance. These assistants can help patients manage their medications, provide answers to health-related questions, and even provide mental health support.

Overall, AI has the potential to revolutionize the healthcare industry by providing doctors and researchers with new tools to improve patient outcomes, accelerate drug discovery, and provide personalized care.

How to control high blood pressure and risk for heart attack?

How to control high blood pressure and risks for heart attack?

Introduction

High blood pressure is a serious condition that can cause heart attacks, strokes and other health problems. The good news is that there are ways to control your blood pressure levels and prevent these risks.

High blood pressure is a leading risk factor for heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.

High blood pressure is a leading risk factor for heart attack, stroke and kidney failure. It can lead to heart failure, heart attack or stroke. It also increases your risk of kidney disease and death from any cause.

High blood pressure (hypertension) occurs when the walls of your blood vessels are dilated or widened because of an increase in blood volume (hypertension). This makes it harder for the heart muscle to pump enough oxygen-rich plasma out into the body’s tissues at a steady rate. The result is increased strain on other organs as they try to compensate for this overload by working harder themselves – such as muscles becoming weaker or kidneys not functioning properly due to inadequate drainage from them - which causes more stress on those organs too!

Many factors can contribute to high blood pressure.

High blood pressure is a common condition that can lead to stroke and heart attack. High blood pressure is defined as systolic pressure (the top number) greater than or equal to 120 mm Hg and diastolic pressure (bottom number) less than 80 mm Hg, or both systolic and diastolic pressures over 140/90 mg/dL.

The following factors may contribute to high blood pressure:

• Lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise may cause or prevent high blood pressure. A healthy lifestyle helps control your weight and improves muscle strength, which helps lower your risk for heart disease by reducing stress on the heart muscle.

• Genetics also play a large role in determining whether someone will develop high blood pressure later in life. Some people have genes that make them more likely than others do not experience cardiac issues due to having been born with certain conditions such as familial hypercholesterolemia or familial dysautonomia.

• Age also contributes; older adults are at higher risk because they tend not be able to handle regular exercise routines well enough as seniors so they would need additional support from their doctors if they want some kind of success at keeping up with their goals.

• Race/ethnicity plays into how quickly someone develops high cholesterol levels (known commonly as hyperlipidemia). People who identify themselves racially/ethnically differently could find themselves having different experiences when it comes down tho

If you have high blood pressure, you can take steps to decrease your risk of developing other health problems.

If you have high blood pressure, the steps you can take to decrease your risk of developing other health problems are:

• Reduce salt intake. Avoid adding salt to your food until you can get it from natural sources.

• Exercise regularly. Regular exercise is an important part of keeping your weight under control and lowering blood pressure. It also helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels and reduces pain from arthritis, muscle strains or injuries (like sprains).

• Eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products every day (ideally four or more servings). Limit foods containing saturated fat such as butter or cheese but try not to cut out all fats completely; they play an important role in keeping our bodies functioning properly!

Control your weight, if you are overweight or obese.

• Control your weight, if you are overweight or obese.

• Losing weight can help control high blood pressure and risk for heart attack.

• A healthy diet and exercise are important in helping to control your body weight. If you want to lose weight but don’t know where to start, try reading this article first! It has some helpful tips on how to lose weight safely while still being able to maintain it later on down the road (if that's what works best for YOU).

Get more exercise.

If you want to control your blood pressure, it's important that you get more exercise. Exercise is one of the most important things you can do to help control your blood pressure. It can help you lose weight and lower your blood pressure, which means that people who are already overweight or obese have a higher risk for high blood pressure than those who are not overweight or obese.

Exercise also helps maintain a healthy heart by improving circulation throughout the body and lowering cholesterol levels in both men and women over time (1). Recent research has also shown that regular physical activity may reduce the risk of heart attack by 40% among those with elevated cholesterol levels (2).

Eat a healthy diet that is low in salt and saturated fat and rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish and legumes.

• Eat a healthy diet that is low in salt and saturated fat and rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish and legumes.

• Avoid too much salt (sodium) by limiting added salt to less than 2 grams per day. For most people this means no more than 1 teaspoon of salt added to food at one time. If you have high blood pressure or risk for heart disease, ask your doctor about a sodium reduction program for you.

• Limit foods high in saturated fat such as red meat, whole milk dairy products (such as cheese), egg yolks and tropical oils like coconut oil when possible because all are sources of dietary cholesterol which can increase LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels in the body leading to increased risk for heart disease

If you smoke, quit smoking.

If you smoke, quit smoking. Smoking can increase blood pressure and contribute to heart disease. Smoking is the leading cause of heart disease, stroke and lung cancer in men and women. Quitting cold turkey can lower your blood pressure by up to six points within three weeks—a significant change that could help prevent a heart attack or stroke in the future!

There are many things you can do to keep your blood pressure under control

There are many things you can do to keep your blood pressure under control.

• Eat healthy foods and exercise regularly.

• Quit smoking. Smoking increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and lung cancer in addition to raising high blood pressure (1).

• Take your medication as prescribed by a doctor or pharmacist so that you have the proper dosage at all times. If necessary, ask for a refill before it runs out because this will help reduce side effects from any medications that may cause problems later on in life (2).

If sleep apnea is diagnosed during this visit with a doctor/neurologist then they will prescribe treatment options such as oral appliances or CPAP machines which work by providing continuous positive airway pressure through nasal prongs attached directly onto each nostril while sleeping at night - thereby preventing obstructed breathing due

Conclusion

High blood pressure is a serious condition. If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and other complications. You can take steps to decrease your risk of developing these conditions by controlling your weight, if you are overweight or obese; getting more exercise; eating a healthy diet that is low in salt and saturated fat and rich in fruits, vegetables,, whole grains fish legumes

What is the Hell

Origins of belief in hell

The Christian belief in hell has developed over the centuries, influenced by Jewish and Greek ideas of the afterlife.

The earliest parts of the Hebrew Bible, around the eighth century B.C., described the afterlife as Sheol, a shadowy, silent pit where the souls of all the dead lingered in a minimal state of silent existence, forever outside of the presence of God. By the sixth century B.C., Sheol was increasingly viewed as a temporary place where all the departed awaited a bodily resurrection. The righteous would then dwell in the presence of God, and the wicked would suffer in the fiery torment that came to be called “Gehenna,” described as a cursed place of fire and smoke.

Early depictions of the afterlife in ancient Greece, an underworld realm called “Hades,” are similar. There, the listless spirits of the dead lingered in an underground twilight existence, ruled by the god of the dead. Evildoers suffered gloomy imprisonment on an even deeper level called “Tartarus.”

Beginning in the fourth century B.C., after the Greek King Alexander the Great conquered Judea, elements of Greek culture began to influence Jewish religious thought. By time of the first gospels, between 65 and 85 A.D., Jesus refers to the Jewish belief in the eternal fire of Gehenna. Elsewhere, he mentions evildoers’ banishment from the kingdom of God, and the “blazing furnace” where the wicked would suffer sorrow and despair and “where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Jesus also mentions the Greek Hades when describing how the forces of evil – “the gates of Hades” – would not prevail against the church.

Medieval ideas of hell

In early Christianity, the fate of those in hell was described in different ways. Some theologians taught that eventually all evil human beings and even Satan himself would be restored to unity with God. Other teachers held that hell was an “intermediate state,” where some souls would be purified and others annihilated.

The image that dominated in antiquity eventually prevailed. Hell was where the souls of the damned suffered torturous and unending punishment. Even after the resurrection of the dead at the end of the world, the wicked would be sent back to Hell for eternity.

By the beginning of the fifth century, this doctrine was taught throughout western Christianity. It was reaffirmed officially by popes and councils throughout the Middle Ages.

Medieval theologians continued to stress that the worst of all these torments would be eternal separation from God, the “poena damni.” Medieval visions of the afterlife provided more explicit details: pits full of dark flames, terrible cries, gagging stench, and rivers of boiling water filled with serpents.

Perhaps the most fulsome description of hell was offered by the Italian poet Dante at the beginning of the 14th century in the first section of his “Divine Comedy.” Here the souls of the damned are punished with tortures matching their sins. Gluttons lie in freezing pools of garbage, while murderers thrash in a river of boiling blood.

 Hell is God’s absence

Today, these images seem to be part of a past that the 21st century has outgrown. However, the official textbook of Catholic Christianity, the “Catechism of the Catholic Church,” reaffirms the Catholic belief in the eternal nature of hell. It omits the gory details found in earlier attempts to describe the hellish experience but restates that the chief pain of hell is eternal separation from God.

The Vatican insisted that the pope was misquoted by the journalist. But theologians have pointed out that Pope Francis has stressed the reality of hell several times in recent years. Indeed, for today’s Catholics at least, hell still means the hopeless anguish of God’s absence.

 (Text adapted from this link)

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Kugwa mu matsa

Uyu mugani umuntu awuca iyo yari agiye kugirirwa atya, n'atya, hirya no hino batangira kubihwihwisa akavuka; ni bwo agira ati: «Nguye mu matsa!»

Wadukanywe na Rugaju rwa Mutimbo, wari umutoni wa Gahindiro, ahagana mu mwaka w'i 1800.

Gahindiro amaze kwima yatonesheje Rugaju; dore ko bombi bari barabanye kuva mu bwana, barareranwe barakurana, birirwa hamwe barara hamwe; ndetse no mu ishyingirwa ibwami babashyingirira rimwe. Rugaju amaze kurongora, Gahindiro amuha umunani w'akatsi ko hepfo no haruguru y'inzira ( ni ukuvuga igice cy'inka z'i Rwanda). Aba umutoni w'akadasohoka kwa Gahindiro, u Rwanda rwose ruramuyoboka kubera ubwo butoni bwe bw'akadasohoka.

Rugaju yari afite mugenzi we bangana urunuka witwa Ruhwenya. Ni we watumye Rugaju atagabana inka Semugaza yanyaze i Bunyabungo: Ikunge n'Inyenyeli. 

Uwo Ruhwenya Gahindiro yari yaramugabiye kumwicara hagati y'amaguru. Aho Gahindiro atetse (yicaye hose), Ruhwenya akamwicara hagati y'amaguru. Aho Semugaza amariye koherereza Gahindiro Ikunge n'Inyenyeli, Gahindiro ashaka kuziha Rugaju ariko yicirwa na Ruhwenya ntiyazigabana. Ni bwo Rugaju yabwiraga Gahindiro ati: «Nyagasani si wowe nzize, nzize imbwa yo mu maguru!»

Nuko Ruhwenya agumya kwangana na Rugaju, afatanije n'undi mugabo witwaga Bituganyi; uwo ni we wahaye Rugaju umutsima uvugishije amaganga ubwo Rugaju avuze ati: «Uno mutsima wo kwa Bituganyi ni impingane!».

Rugaju rero akomeza kwangana n’abo bagabo bombi. Bukeye ibwami bakura Gicurasi. Ubwo Gahindiro yari i Mulinja (Muyira - Butare).

Ibirori byo gukura Gicurasi biba byinshi kandi byiza. Bigeze nijoro barara inkera. Abatware bahiga inka n'amapfizi. Bigeze hagati bakajya bavuga bati: «Naka afite imfizi nziza». Gahindiro akamubwira ati: «Uzayintize» 

Bakomeza kubigira batyo, bigeze kuri Rugaju batinya kuvuga ko afite imfizi nziza, ahubwo bahimba amageza yo kumushuka, bati: «Rugaju atsamo wowe wegereye umuriro!» Rugaju yunamye acyatsa, bakora mu ivu biraba mu gahanga bashyira intoki ebyiri hejuru bereka Gahindiro.

Rugaju amaze kwatsa, Gahindiro ati: "Rugaju jya kuntiza imfizi yawe y'urwasha itereye amahembe hejuru!" Ubwo arakurikiza rya vu abahungu birabye hagati y'amaso; Rugaju ahera ko amenya ibyo ari byo, asubiza mu mvugo ye ya gitoni, ati : "Nti ni Semukanya nguye mu matsa!" Abari aho baraseka, kubera ko Rugaju ari umuhanga w'amarenga.

Nuko kuva ubwo iyo mvugo ikwira u Rwanda bihinduka umugani. Ubwo Rugaju abwira Gahindiro ngo: "Nguye mu matsa!", yamubwiraga ko iyo mfizi yayimenye igihe abahungu bamushukaga ngo yatsemo babone urwaho rwo kuyimumenyesha.

" Kugwa mu matsa = Kuvukishwa n’imvugo ya rubanda; kuzira akagambane."

Ni amaburakindi

Uyu mugani bawuca iyo bahaye umuntu ikidashyitse ku bw' amikoro make, ni bwo bavuga ngo: "Ni amaburakindi nta cyo muhaye."

Wakomotse kuri Kindi cya Manyurane w'i Bugesera, ahayinga umwaka w'i 1400.

Icyo gihe u Bugesera bwari butaraba ubw'u Rwanda. Hariho umugabo witwa Manyurane, akaba umutware ukomeye wa Nsoro Bihembe. Mu bana be b'abahungu, habyirukamo uwitwa Kindi; abyirukana ingeso nziza cyane, zituma abo babyirukanye bose bamukunda, ndetse n'abakuru bamukundira icyo.

Nuko Manyurane amaze gupfa, Kindi asigara mu ngabo za se zitwaga Abateracumu ba Nsoro. Aba umutoni w'akadasohoka, ariko ubutoni bwe ntibwamutera umurengwe, akomeza gukundwa na bose, kuko atateshukaga ku mico myiza yabyirukanye. 

Ubwo Nsoro Bihembe yari afite umugore w'inkundwakazi witwaga Kamatamu, na we agakunda Kindi byamushegeshe. Bukeye urukundo rumaze kumusaguka akajya yiyegereza Kindi mu bwiherero ashaka ko bashyikirana. Ariko Kindi akamugarambira, agira ati: "Sinakwiteranya na databuja, kandi yarakunze data, nanjye akankunda, akarinda kungira umuvuguruza we; mbyemeye naba mpemutse ntagikwiye Abateracumu ba Nsoro data yansigiye». Amaze kumushwishuriza, kuva ubwo Kamatamu atangira kumusarika kuko yamwanze; akajya amurega ibinyoma ku mugabo we ariko ntabyiteho.

Kamatamu abonye ko bimuburiye agambana n'abaja be, ati: «Muzagire uko mushoboye mwiyegereze Kindi, maze muzashake uburyo mumunyamburira uruhu rw'umunyehara rumuranga mu myitero, murunzanire nzabahemba».

Abaja barafubaganya batoranya inzoga nziza n'abakobwa beza barabarimbisha cyane, batumira Kindi mu bwibereko bwabo ngo azaze babone icyo bamubwira. 

Igihe kigeze araza, asanga umuteguro ari wose n'umubavu watamye inzu yose. Agitunguka, umukwobwa umwe witwaga Mukasano bigeze kubana bakiri bato, baragirana inyana, batobana ibyondo, aramusanganira, aramusumira, ati: «Uraho mfura ya data?» Kindi yumvise Mukasano amuramukije atyo, aranezerwa aramuhobera; baramukanya uruhwererane. 

Mukasano yinjiza Kindi mu nzu abandi bagambanyi bateraniyemo. Baricara baraganira, bamuzanira inzoga y'ubuki bwiza cyane bw'igiti cyitwa urusinzagwa aranezerwa.

Abaja babonye ko Kindi yatashywe n'umunezero, batuma kuri Kamatamu ngo abongere izindi nzoga. Yohereza iz'intarano ku zo Nsoro anywaho.

Nuko Kindi aranywa arasinda, ntiyibuka ko yangana na Nyirabuja, akomeza kwihoshya ubwo buki bw'urusinzagwa, abakobwa bamwambura rwa ruhu rwe rw'umwitero, baruha umwe muri bo arushyira Kamatamu. 

Arukubise amaso arishima cyane, arushyira munsi y'ibyahi ku rwuririro, ati: «Cyo genda mukomeze mumudude urusinzagwa kugeza igihe Nsoro avira mu muhigo!

Nsoro arashyira arahiguka. Umuhigo utahira kwa Kamatamu, kuko ari we wari inkundwakazi. Ibirori by'umuhigo bihetuye, Nsoro ajya mu nzu asuhuza Kamatamu, ati: «Ndeka nta myiririrwe yanjye Kindi wawe yandembeje!» Ati: «Namwihanganiye iminsi myinshi ngira ngo ntaguteranya n'umutoni wawe, none nananiwe, ati: "Umva ngitangira kuba umugeni muri uru rugo, niho na we yatangiye kunyuguga ashaka ko mumfatanya; ngumya kumwangira; none yandembeje. Aho bigeze, niba utamundinze nyohereza iwacu; sinshaka ko umfatanya n'umugaragu wawe; dore ikimenyetso ni uru ruhu rw'umwitero we yataye hano aje kumbuza epfo na ruguru, ararutse mu bakobwa bawe aho yiriwe abaduda amayoga, amaze kurengwa aransindukana, araza yicara aha ku rwuririro, ngize ngo ndamwiyamye, abadukana umwaga, uruhu araruhata."

Uruhu Nsoro ararufata, ahamagaza Kindi. Atungutse, ati: «Akira uruhu rwawe!» Kindi arukubise amaso akubitwa n'inkuba arumirwa! Nsoro akebuka umugaragu w'umugore we witwaga Radabali, ati: «Nyaze Kindi Abateracumu, n'ibye byose ndabiguhaye».

Byirirwa aho biravugwavugwa, bugorobye Kindi acika Nsoro yiyizira mu Rwanda n'abagaragu be bake. Asanga Cyilima Rugwe i Rukoma ahitwa i Gaseke mu Rutobwe (Gitarama). Bamugezeho abakira neza, arabahaka, bagubwa neza baguma mu Rwanda barusaziramo.

Ubwo amaze gucika Nsoro inkuru ikwira u Bugesera bwose: rubanda babyumvise barababara cyane, Abateracumu bo bararitsira icumu bararicurika banga kuyoboka Rudabali: bamwe bati. «Nta wundi muntu uzaduhaka tubuze Kindi cyacu, ahubwo bazatware n'ibyo dutunze byose; abandi, ariko bari bakuru, bati: "Turanga kuyoboka Rudabali biducikireho, kandi tutagishoboye gukurikira Kindi mu Rwanda, ahubwo nimureke tubabare, ariko dupfe kunywa aya Rudabali y' amabura Kindi (amata y'ubuhake bwa Rudabali kuko babuze ubwa Kindi bakundaga cyane).

Dore ko amata ubundi ashushanya umukiro usesuye; Abateracumu bayise amabura kindi, kuko umukiro wabo wagabanutse, umunsi bawuburamo Kindi ku maherere.

Nuko babuze uko bagira bagwa neza, aka wa mugani ngo: «Mbunze uko ngira iheza umwaga mu nda». Baremera bapfa kuyoboka Rudabali; ariko mu maganya yabo ntibibagirwe kuvuga ko amata barimo ari amaburakindi, ari byo kuvuga ko umukiro wabo ubuzemo ikiri ngombwa; ubuzemo Kindi n'imico ye myiza.

Kuva ubwo rero, uko imyaka igenda yigirayo, buhoro buhoro ya magambo yombi (amabura risimbura amata na kindi ryendeye kuri Kindi) yiyungamo ijambo rimwe ry' «Amaburakindi», rikavuga ikintu cyose cy'akamaro gake gisimbuzwa icyari ngombwa babuze ukundi byagenda.

Ngiyo inkomoko y'ijambo tuvuga buri jo ryitwa amaburakindi, ugira, utya ukumva umuntu wabuze icyo aha uwe gishishikaje, akamuganyira, ati: "Nta cyo nguhaye ni amaburakindi."

" Gutanga amaburakindi = Gutanga ibidashamaje ku bw'amikoro make."

Akebo kajya iwa Mugarura

Uyu mugani bawuca iyo babonye umuntu witurwa ineza yagiranye imico myiza ye; ni bwo bavuga ngo: «Akebo kajya iwa Mugarura!»

Wakomotse kuri Mugarura uwo nyine, ku ngoma itazwi neza ikirali.

Mugarura uwo ngo yakuranye imico myiza cyane, akubitiraho n'ubukire muri byose: imyaka n' amatungo; abantu baza kumucaho inshuro, akabereka icyibo cya mugerwa w'umuhinzi, umuhingiye yahingura akamuha inshuro y'umuhinzi muri icyo cyibo, hanyuma akamushyiriramo indi y'ubuntu. 

Abigenza atyo imyaka myinshi, n'uje kumusaba inka nawe akayimuha, ndetse ngo byarimba akamuheta n' indi ya kabiri.

Byibera aho. Bukeye inshuti ze, n'abana be baramukuba, bamubwira ko yangiza inka ze n' imyaka ye, bati : «dore urimaraho ibintu ubyangiza, nihacaho iminsi uzasigara umeze ute ? Ejo uzasanga rubanda rukunnyega nta we ukureba n'irihuye.

Mugarura yumva amagambo yabo akabihorera ntagire icyo abasubiza; ntihagire uwumva ururimi rwe; bigenda bityo igihe kirekire. Biba aho biratinda. Bishyize kera, haza umuntu, amugerageresha kumushuka; aramubwira, ati: « Mugarura ubuntu bwawe bwo gutanga utabaze rubanda turabwishimira; ariko n'ubwo tugushima bwose, jyewe nta cyo urampa, none nje kugusaba inka eshanu zo kubaga. Mugarura aramwemerera, amuha inka eshanu, arazijyana.

Azigejeje iwe aho kuzibaga arazorora; zirakunda zirororoka, ziba amashyo atanu Rubanda babibonye batyo, barega Mugarura ibwami ko yangiza ibintu. Dore ko ubwo uwangizaga inka ze bavugaga ko amara inka z'umwami. Ibyo bituma umwami amugabiza rubanda baramunyaga, ariko inka n'ibintu bye nta muntu wabigabanye, byatwawe na rubanda bose rubyigabagabanije.

Nuko ibwami bategeka ko Mugarura atazahabwa umuriro kuko yabaye umupfu, mu bintu by' ibwami. Mugarura amaze kunyagwa ahinduka umukene cyane, abura aho aba n'umugore n'abana be; agumya kuzerera. Hanyuma atunguka ku muntu wigeze kumuhingira akamuha inshuro ebyiri.

Uwo mugabo amukubitse amaso, agira impuhwe; ava mu nzu ya kambere ayiha Mugarura, asigara mu nzu yo mu gikari. Mugarura amaze kubona inzu abamo, rubanda bamenya ko yabonye icumbi; abo yagiriye neza batangira kujya bagenda nijoro, bamushyira ibintu. Ubwo kugenda nijoro batinyaga ibwami.

Uwo Mugarura yahaye inshuro ebyiri, akaza nijoro akamusubiza za nshuro, ndetse akabigira itetu; mbese rubanda yagiriye neza bose baramuyoboka, bamuzanira amafunguro : bamwe mu twibo, abandi mu bitebo. Bigeze aho abenshi yagiriye neza bajya kumuhakirwa ibwami ngo bamuhe umuriro.

Ibwami baremera., bamuha inka y' umuriro. Mugarura amaze kubona umuriro, rubanda barishima; noneho baza ku mugaragaro bamuzanira ibintu, byo kumwishimira bamwitura ineza yabagiriye.

Bukeye wa mugabo wazaga kumushuka ngo amuhe inka eshanu zo kubaga (za zindi yagezaga iwe akazorora), yumvise ko Mugarura yabonye umuriro arishima cyane. 

Arazinduka ajya aho Mugarura acumbitse, aramubwira ati: « Ngize amahirwe kuko wabonye umuriro, za nka wampaga zo kubaga uko ari eshanu narazoroye, zabaye amashyo atanu none ngaya amashyo atatu na njye ndasigarana abiri. Mugarura amushimana na rubanda, barakomeza barahurura, bamuzanira amaturo y'inka n'imyaka; abadafite imyaka myinshi bakamuzanira mu twibo; yubaka imitiba n'ibigega.

Nuko Mugarura asubira kuba umukungu, ndetse arusha mbere; aratunga aratunganirwa. Ubwo rero rubanda bamuzaniraga ibintu bibuka uko yabagiriraga, no byo byiswe ko " Akebo kajya iwa Mugarura"

" Gushyira akebo iwa Mugarura = Kwitega iminsi. "