Sunday, August 3, 2008

Ibn Khaldoun

Have you ever heard about a multi-specialties scientist? Have you ever heard about a writer whose book’s introduction is divided into two tomes? He is the most admirable public figure for me. Ibn Khaldoun is a 14th century Tunisian scholar. He was known for his wide knowledge in science and humanities, civilizations, theology, anthropology, economics, and politics. Three good reasons make the person very special for me: the depth of his ideas, the influence of his studies on modern researches, and his strong personal belief in his principles.

Although few are the pages I read from Ibn khaldoun’s books, I am always impressed by the depth of his ideas in different fields of interest. Ibn Khaldoun is known by being very direct and clear. In addition to the well organized and structured discourse, Ibn Khaldoun has very detailed findings, strongly illustrated with examples and case studies from everyday life. For most of the issues he analyzed, the researcher wrote long passages where he broke down the different perspectives that an issue can be viewed from. For example, when Ibn Khaldoun treated the man’s need to earn a livelihood, he talked about taxation, hunting, commerce, agriculture, crafts as conditions and means of earning sustenance.


A further reason why I admire Ibn Khaldoun is related to the permanent validity of his ideas. Ibn khaldhoun’s findings about motivations, dynamics of work, and leadership have a striking resemblance to our modern lives. Every one nowadays wants to progress and succeed in the marketplace. Furthermore, the author’s genius work “introduction” is full of pearls of wisdom about the nature of humans and sciences. His ideas about the science of culture and chauvinism inspired all generations to come. Many of the historical and sociological modern studies such as that of “unionism” are influenced by his researches.


Last, Ibn khaldoun’s strong attachment to his ideas and principles is also among the reasons why I pay him too much tribute and esteem. Despite the harsh conservative atmosphere of the era where he appeared, Ibn khaldoun could face it courageously. Historians recorded that he escaped many countries such as Morocco and Spain because of his moderate religious and political opinions. Yet, he had never modified his points of view. Ibn khaldoun believed in the importance of work, therefore, he was very determined and tenacious at work. Similarly, because he endorsed the principle of relativism, he was always cautious and very open to listen from others.


In summary, Ibn Khaldoun is always a vibrant and original thinker for me. The depth of his ideas, the influence that his researches have on modern lives and his strong belief in his principles, make him my favorite public figure. Ibn kahldoun’s writings really represent significant references for further researches in all areas of interests.

1 comment:

Marge d'Un Oiseau said...

cette encyclopédie IBN KHALDOUN !!! bravo pour l'hommage wafa, we need more to know about those moutain sach as ibn khaldoun !! give us more !!