Sa’adeh sparked the issue of
fundamental philosophical thought and called upon creators of thought and art, including writers, poets, intellectuals,
musicians, and students of science and philosophy, to adopt his new perspective
on life, the universe, and art, and to produce their works in its light. He urged them to
delve deeper into their studies through new cultural, philosophical, literary,
and economic research that elucidates the matters and issues addressed by his
new outlook. This research should also shift thought from superficial and
ordinary perceptions, as well as conventional thinking, to the fundamentals: to
the noble aims of thought and emotion, and the "major fundamental issues
of life and existence, in addition to practical life matters.”[1]
In Sa’adeh's opinion, the noble
fundamental issues encompass the individual's concern - the human being and
society, the purpose of human existence, the issue of the nation, and working
for its interest, as well as the preservation of its safety, unity, and life. They
also encompass communal human values such as freedom, duty, order, power, justice, goodness, beauty, and more.[2]
In a guiding address that Sa’adeh sent to Dr Charles Malik after the latter
gifted him a copy of a speech in English that he delivered at the American
University of Beirut titled "The Meaning of Philosophy," Sa’adeh
states:
It is commendable that ordinary perception thinks
of Democritus, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Zeno, and Nietzsche. But when I
contemplate philosophy, I do not think of these names. Instead, I think of the
very same fundamental truths and ultimate psychological goals that these
philosophers pondered.[3]
To unveil the true essence of
the Syrian mentality and its depths, Sa’adeh called for the revival of the
spiritual and intellectual Syrian heritage and for
the revelation of the achievements of this cultural mentality. He urged a
return to the roots of civilization and the original Syrian myths imbued with
philosophical significance within human existence. He requested Syrian writers
and poets to acquaint themselves with these 'precious spiritual treasures' and
to explore the inherent philosophical and artistic inspirations in their
nation's nature. “This understanding would enable them to create rich, beautiful,
and enduring literature that uncovers the grand aspirations and noble aims of
the psyche."[4]
The literature he called for is
the
literature of life; that is, the literature that comprehends our lives,
accompanies us in our development and expresses our loftiest ideals and
aspirations derived from the essence of our people, their temperament, history,
and psychological identity, as well as the elements of their life.[5]
He continued,
To the realm of Syrian gods, conscious writers
must make a pilgrimage and wander. They should return from their explorations,
bringing with them literature that allows us to discover our psychological
truth amidst the grand issues of life that have been addressed in our myths.
These myths hold a place in human thought and feeling that transcends all that
is known and understood of matters of thought and sentiment.[6]
He added,
Now, addressing all Syrian poets on my part, I
say: Let's come together and raise a beacon of light for this nation that
struggles in darkness. Let's shine with the light of
our truth, the hope of our will, and the health of our lives. Let's come
forward to build castles of love, wisdom, beauty, and hope for our nation,
using the materials about the history of our Syrian nation and her talents.
Let's draw from the philosophies of her mythologies and their teachings, which
deal with the major issues of human life.[7]
[1] From al-Za’im to
Dr. Charles Malek, al-Nizam al-Jadid, Beirut, vol. 1, 01/03/1948.
[2] Antun Sa´adeh. Intellectual Struggle
in Syrian Literature, op. cit., p. 67.
[3] From al-Za’im to
Dr. Charles Malek, al-Nizam al-Jadid, Beirut, vol. 1, 01/03/1948.
[4] Antun Sa´adeh. Intellectual Struggle
in Syrian Literature, op. cit., p. 45.
[5] Ibid.
[6] Ibid., p. 64.
[7] Ibid., pp. 64-65.
