Philosophical texts are profound but challenging as they do not apply to the real world in a materialistic sense. However, their real wisdom lies in their conscious and spiritual journey. One such Book is the Book of Mirdad by Mikhail Naimy, which is an allegorical and metaphorical account of the human condition. So, let’s see what makes this text so profound and insightful, even in this day and age.
Reviewing The Book Of Mirdad By Mikhail Naimy
Mikhail Naimy was a Lebanese poet, author, and thinker who was known for his famous works, such as the Book of Mirdad. On top of that, for his brilliant writings in the native language, he’s considered one of the greats of Arabic literature.
The Book of Mirdad was written in 1948 in English but later translated in the Arabic language. It follows the fictional tale of a monastery that was once known as the Arc. The founder of Arc Mirdad unveils his teachings to his disciple, which was later on discovered by the protagonist/narrator at the beginning of the Book. Furthermore, the teachings were reflective of life, death and even prophetic in some instances.
The dialogues or conversations between the disciples and Mirdad shed light on issues ranging from conduct to death. On top of that, the Book also offers some of the best literary quotes, which are a breath of fresh air in modern society.
Themes and Philosophical Insights
The Book of Mirdad is so rich in thoughts, ideas, reflections and teachings that it’s not even possible to cover a percent of it. However the major themes of the books revolve around spirituality, self discovery and enlightenment of a modern man.
The job of Mirdad is to teach his disciples about the fundamentals of the way towards the 1. After delivering his message, he wishes the same for his disciples—to spread the word of God to the masses.
Relevance To Modern Life
The beauty of good ideas is that they are irrelevant to time and prove their worth in every instance. Such ideas are discussed in the Book of Mirdad, where tough questions are answered in a way that is enlightening to the reader—even in modern society.
Quotes From The Book Of Mirdad By Mikhail Naimy
Some great quotes from the Book are:
- “The really poor is he who misuses what he has. The really rich is he who well uses what he has.”
- “Whoever cannot find a temple in his heart, the same can never find his heart in any temple.”
- “The more elaborate his labyrinths, the further from the Sun his face.”
- “You must not impose yourselves on any man. For that which is imposed by force is soon or late deposed by force.”
Symbolism and Metaphors
Mirdad uses symbolisms, metaphors and in some instances explains the most complex in simplest terms. Thus, the Book is a puzzle with solutions in the following lines. And some sentences really widen your perspective about everything and it is a sign of good literature.
Key Takeaways From The Book
One can learn a lot of things about life through the Book of Mirdad. Its subtle yet effective language is a testament to the brilliance of the author—delivering his message in the best way possible.
Ultimately, the role of human beings is to find their place in the universe by asking the tough questions. And The Book of Mirdad might answer one or two for you.
Final Thoughts On The Book Of Mirdad
The Book of Mirdad is a piece of art that dives into life through words, and even those who disagree with the message of the Book can appreciate its effort to make sense of the world.
So, if you are looking for philosophical literature to fascinate your mind, then the Book of Mirdad by Mikhail Naimy is for you.
Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)
Is The Book of Mirdad worth reading?
Yes, The Book of Mirdad is worth your time and reading.
What can we learn from The Book of Mirdad?
Mirdad teaches a lot of life themes like love, obedience, repentance, and death.
Is The Book of Mirdad a true story?
No, the Book of Mirdad is not a true story but a fiction parable derived from religious values.
How many pages are in The Book of Mirdad?
The Book is almost 192 pages or 4-5 hours of reading.
