Criticism of folk wisdom based on the Travelogue of Ebrahim Bey and the biography of Haji Babai Esfahani
Subject Areas : Research in Contemporary Iranian Literature
mohammadreza movahedi
1
,
hamed torkmani
2
1 - Associate Professor of Persian Language and Literature Department, University of Qom, Iran.
2 - M.A Student in Persian literature, University of Qom, Iran.
Keywords: Folk wisdom, theoretical wisdom, practical wisdom, Haji Babai Esfahani, Ebrahim Bey's travelogue.,
Abstract :
Although in our ancient terminology, wisdom is divided into two parts, practical and theoretical, and its main purpose is to promote the appropriate moral way and method by relying on intellectual sciences for social and individual life, besides these two, folk wisdom which often shows itself in proverbs, has mysteriously strengthened its position among the strata of different societies. This wisdom, which is accepted by the general public, has a major difference from practical and theoretical wisdom in one aspect, that is, the intellectual dimension. Since the construction and cultivation of folk wisdom is formed in the hearts of the common people of the society, it often does not have a strong intellectual basis. due to its extensive use over time, it has gained the ability to generalize and include. The cases of application of these pearls of wisdom in a comparative study in the two books "Travel of Ibrahim Bey" and "The Story of Haji Babai Isfahani" which are among the first Persian novels, can give us an image of the Iranian's morals so that we can learn more about our strengths and weaknesses.
Keyword: Folk wisdom, theoretical wisdom, practical wisdom, Haji Babai Esfahani, Ebrahim Bey's travelogue.
Introduction
Proverbs and folk wisdom are an inseparable part of all world languages, and Persian is one of the richest living languages in terms of proverbs and wisdom. "As a result of the sharp, insightful, intelligent, and discerning thought of Iranians, Persian is one of the richest languages in the world in terms of proverbs and wisdom. Over centuries, these proverbs have been embedded in Persian poetry and prose, and no famous Persian poet is exempt from using these proverbs in their works."
Folk wisdom reflects mental beliefs often found in proverbs and sayings, though not all proverbs can be classified as folk wisdom. These proverbs are typically derived from past events, personal experiences, and lessons transmitted across generations, sometimes becoming the collective thoughts of a community. "The general public, wherever they may be, are mostly preoccupied with survival and do not invent anything. However, in every society, even in primitive environments, some individuals think and create ideas, which later transform into proverbs."
These sayings, polished over time and often concise, have been passed down through generations and are still widely used today to sweeten speech, substantiate arguments, or express ideas. Over centuries, these sayings have gained universal application, even when their meanings are only loosely related. When folk wisdom, which lacks a solid philosophical foundation, replaces practical or theoretical wisdom in society, it can lead to harmful consequences. "The outcomes of these superficial ideas are evident. They suggest that one should not challenge established powers, resist force, or step beyond traditional norms; any effort outside these boundaries is deemed futile." The widespread use of such wisdom can be destructive not only at the individual level but also socially. Those who frequently use these sayings often respond to negative situations with, "This is fate."
Background of the Research
The origin of folk wisdom lies in the customs and morals of a land’s people. Numerous works have been written on this subject, some of the earliest being Kolsoom Naneh by Khansari and Nirangestan by Sadegh Hedayat, which analyze superstitions in Iranian customs. In the modern era, one of the most significant works in this field is The Morality of Iranians by Jamalzadeh, which examines Iranian behavior. Recently, critical perspectives on these behaviors have emerged as a social and literary genre, as seen in works like The Emergence of the Genre of Iranian Morality, which covers topics such as “Definitions and Theoretical Discussions” and “The Formation of the Genre.”
Problem Statement
Given the abundance of proverbs and folk wisdom in the Persian language, this research analyzes these sayings, particularly in two significant Persian works: The Travels of Ibrahim Beg and The Adventures of Haji Baba of Isfahan. These books, written in the travelogue genre, depict the social lives of ordinary Iranians across various regions.
Research Methodology
This article is based on library research and adopts a descriptive-analytical approach.
Main Factors for the Use of Folk Wisdom:
Given the widespread appeal of folk wisdom and proverbs, individuals often use them according to the context of their speech, pursuing specific goals. Below are some key factors for their usage, examined in the context of the two books:
- Self-Interest:
An example can be seen in the famous proverb, "A wise lie is better than a harmful truth," which appears in The Adventures of Haji Baba of Isfahan. Though lying is one of the major moral vices, this proverb emphasizes that in certain situations, a wise lie can prevent discord. - Consolation:
Folk wisdom is often used to soothe suppressed desires and alleviate pain. For instance, the saying, "Describing another's troubles eases one's distress," highlights how individuals find solace, even at the cost of moral principles. - Fear and Risk-Aversion:
Fear and anxiety, inherent in human nature, often prevent individuals from taking certain actions. For example, "Abandoning work in hopes of illusory profit is not wise" illustrates this caution.
- Laziness:
People often use folk wisdom to justify laziness. Examples include:- "All hardships become easier with habit."
- "Wherever you go, the sky is the same color."
- Reasoning and Generalization:
Proverbs often involve reasoning based on limited observations and applying them broadly. For instance:
- "A sample reveals the whole."
- "A good year is evident from its spring."
- National and Religious Biases:
Blind prejudice can manifest in destructive ways, as seen in the following examples from the Qajar era:
- "No good comes from the service of a Sunni for a Shiah."
- "Westerners are the dirtiest people on Earth."
- Simplicity and Superstition:
Many folk proverbs are rooted in superstitious beliefs. Examples from the Qajar period include:
- "When leaving home, step out backward to ensure you return safely."
Conclusion
Proverbs, in terms of both linguistic structure and content, often fall under the category of folk wisdom. These sayings, stemming from the masses, naturally have a significant impact, as they embed moral and ethical guidance. Unlike theoretical or practical wisdom, which is based on years of rational analysis, folk wisdom often originates from individual experiences. Over time, through widespread usage, such wisdom becomes popular among the general public. However, the societal application of folk wisdom, with its lack of a rational foundation, can lead to negative consequences.
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