Persian Minds

<p>Dive into the rich intellectual heritage of Persia with *Persian Minds: Continuity and Transformation in Philosophical Traditions from Antiquity to the Safavids*. Compiled and arranged by Max Nabati this comprehensive volume traces the evolution of Persian thought across centuries spotlighting over 50 influential thinkers who shaped philosophy religion science and ethics.</p><p>From the dawn of monotheism with Zoroaster-whose dualistic vision of good versus evil in the Gathas influenced Judaism Christianity and Islam-to the Achaemenid rulers like Cyrus the Great who embodied tolerant governance Chapter 1 explores ancient foundations. Discover the radical social reforms of Mazdak the prophetic dualism of Mani and the priestly influence of Kartir and Tansar. Chapter 2 delves into the Islamic Golden Age where Persian scholars synthesized Greek philosophy with Islamic theology. Meet Al-Kindi the Philosopher of the Arabs who pioneered the integration of reason and faith; Al-Farabi visionary of the ideal state; Rhazes (Al-Razi) the empirical physician and ethicist; and Avicenna (Ibn Sina) whose Canon of Medicine and metaphysical proofs of God revolutionized knowledge. In Chapter 3 witness the medieval flowering amid turmoil. Shahab al-Din Suhrawardi's Illuminationism illuminates divine light; Nasir al-Din Tusi advances astronomy and ethics; Ibn Arabi's mystical unity inspires Sufism; Rumi's poetic whirls explore love and the soul; Hafez's ghazals blend hedonism with spirituality; and thinkers like Fakhr al-Din Razi and Mir Damad bridge logic theology and esotericism. Chapter 4 culminates in the Safavid era's philosophical renaissance. Mulla Sadra's transcendental theosophy unifies existence and essence; Mir Damad masters time and eternity; Mulla Muhsin Fayz Kashani fuses mysticism with jurisprudence; and later figures like Shaykh Ahmad Ahsa'i and Sayyid Jamal al-Din Asadabadi pave the way for modern reforms challenging colonialism and advocating enlightenment.</p><p>Ideal for students scholars and enthusiasts of philosophy history and Middle Eastern studies *Persian Minds* provides engaging biographies key ideas and quotes making complex concepts accessible. Nabati's arrangement highlights continuity-how ancient dualism evolves into Safavid metaphysics-while noting transformations through cultural exchanges.</p>