When the dynasty continues in power and their rulers follow each other in succession, they become sophisticated. The Bedouin attitude and simplicity lose their significance, and the Bedouin qualities of moderation and restraint disappear. Royal authority with its tyranny, and sedentary culture that stimulates sophistication, make their appearance. The people of the dynasty then acquire qualities of character related to cleverness.
I can't in any way do justice by attempting to explain the ideas and writings of Ibn_Khaldun, of whom I just discovered thanks to Isegoria. But Khaldun's writings from the 13th century would appear to hold a great deal of wisdom for our present age.
And please do cruise around Isegoria, I've found there is always something of interest there. I'd even suggest it as a 'blogs we enjoy' link... and it's XXX free, too. :)
Thanks for the kind words, Luther.
ReplyDeleteThe modern Internet has ironically made many old, out-of-copyright works far more accessible.
Welcome Isegoria! We're glad you stopped by!
ReplyDeleteLuther - 'And please do cruise around Isegoria, I've found there is always something of interest there. I'd even suggest it as a 'blogs we enjoy' link... and it's XXX free, too. :)"
ReplyDeleteI did look around there, and agree with you, so I added it.
Thank you Dances! I've been looking around Isegoria's too. Great blog!
ReplyDeleteThanks lady red and Dances with Typos.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, who would've guessed that we'd be discussing the wisdom found in an Arabic document from the 1300s?
Sorry, Isegoria. Didn't mean to ignore your 'thanks', just forgot to come back during a busy weekend. I've been reading you for a long time and have always found your sleuthing out of good material, along with your thoughts, to be a worthwhile endeavor and good use of my time.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, it is rather odd that we would be discussing 800 year old Arabic wisdom. But then human nature is what it is and will likely remain so. So gleanings into that nature will likely have eternal usefulness.
Isegoria said: "By the way, who would've guessed that we'd be discussing the wisdom found in an Arabic document from the 1300s?"
ReplyDeleteNo kidding! It's amazing, really.