The social criticism in the work of Saadi Shirazi

Abstract

A symbolic expression has been an important method of expressing opinion, criticism or indignation in the history of philosophy. This kind of literary expression implicitly points to, among other, educational, pedagogical, moral, political, and conceptual problems and disadvantages in a society. There are several reasons why one thinker decides to express his or her opinion in a symbolical manner. Sometimes it is a fear of social repression that might ensue in reaction to a direct criticism of authorities or other important societal functions; at other times, the reason is of an ethical nature, which means that the writer does not want to criticize his interlocutor directly, but nevertheless wishes to point out his error; and at still other times the reason lies in the writer's proclivity toward symbolic expression, as well as in his belief that this method leaves more powerful and longer-lasting impressions on the readers of his works. The great Persian poet Saadi Shirazi (1208-1295) is one of the clever thinkers who in most cases symbolically - but sometimes also directly - criticized various aspects of the dynastically structured society in which he lived, believing that it had departed significantly from the relevant ontological and ethical principles original Islam. In this paper we will present some of the most important segments of Saadi's social thought.