In a rare and deeply philosophical interview, celebrated author Ben Okri shares his thoughts on mortality, creativity, and the nature of existence. Known for his Booker Prize-winning novel The Famished Road, Okri offers a perspective that transcends conventional boundaries.
"What happens when we die? We don't die. We change realms."
Okri, whose work often blends the real with the mystical, discusses his latest book Waking the Warriors. He describes it as a call to awaken the inner strength that lies dormant in humanity. The novel, he explains, is not just a story but a meditation on resilience and transformation.
Reflecting on death, Okri dismisses the idea of finality. Instead, he envisions life as a continuum, where death is merely a transition. "We are beings of light," he says. "Our journey doesn't end; it evolves."
The interview also touches on the role of art in troubled times. Okri believes that literature has the power to heal and inspire. "Stories are not escapes; they are maps for the soul," he asserts.
When asked about the creative process, Okri emphasizes the importance of stillness. "Inspiration comes when we are quiet enough to listen," he notes. His advice to aspiring writers is simple: "Write what you must, not what you think you should."
Waking the Warriors is now available, promising readers a journey into the profound and the possible.