When I saw the title I thought “Hey, that’s a translation of a quote from Te Reo Maori!” Then I wondered whether is was common in other cultures too - which kind of disappointed me. I was relieved to see that you are now a Kiwi. Go you! I am too! ❤️🥝🇳🇿
This is beautiful, & such a powerful reminder to always question that “carefully constructed narrative,” which here in the US is truly lies & propaganda based in fear & hatred.
So this is a beautiful article, but as far as the title goes in a more general context, its very speciesist to say the most important thing is the world is people. People are important, yes. But most important? Thats pretty hard to claim. Human actions are arguably most important only because they have the largest impact on other species, but that doesnt inherently mean that humans are the MOST important thing in the world. That statement feels fueled by human-centric ego. Which is a huge component of why there are so many human rooted problems in the world.
Agree to disagree then. Objectively, to say humans are the most important thing in the world is ignorant, regardless of what population of people say it. I never claimed human beings are not important. Nor did i imply that one group is more important than another. While there is plenty of good written in this piece, the line that humans being the MOST important, even if its a cultural proverb, simply is not when exercising critical thinking. The title/ proverb ruins and distracts from the beauty of this written piece.
This is so beautiful, in every a lot of places people only see war and destruction, but beyond that is the people and the lifestyle, tradition, the memories. ❤️ You have such an amazing voice and perspective, keep writing.
Stunning, and so evocative. You're absolutely right that the 'West' does not know nearly enough about the Middle East, and we don't do enough to educate ourselves, which means we risk losing so many fabulous cultures. It's pitiful, and should be taught to all of our children. Not only to improve understanding, but to prevent the loss of these amazing cultures. It's harder to not care about a people that you have learned about and understand.
This is an amazing piece of literature and a testament to the power of language and your skill as a writer. Despite having never been to Iran or the middle east for that matter, I couldn't help but feel both witness to the beautiful culture you've shared as well as the similarities between my mother country of Cyprus. We are all people -the most important thing- and human culture is one in all forms.
So beautiful 🕊️
Thank you Abby ❤️
When I saw the title I thought “Hey, that’s a translation of a quote from Te Reo Maori!” Then I wondered whether is was common in other cultures too - which kind of disappointed me. I was relieved to see that you are now a Kiwi. Go you! I am too! ❤️🥝🇳🇿
Thanks Elizabeth-Jane! It’s one of my favourite whakataukī ❤️ 🥝
This is beautiful, & such a powerful reminder to always question that “carefully constructed narrative,” which here in the US is truly lies & propaganda based in fear & hatred.
Thank you Michelle ❤️
Beautiful, I relate so much to this in describing my time in Palestine! 💜
Thank you for sharing Naomi 🫶 I would love to hear your descriptions some time
Such a beautiful piece Zahra, you found amazing words!
Thank you Sean! Appreciate this 🥹
This is so beautifully written. Thank you for putting in to words what I could not.
Thank you 🙏 it’s so hard - for so long I felt like I had no words at all for the feelings I am feelings
Thank you Zahra - that is beautiful and paints such a warm, joyous, loving picture of Iran - a picture nobody wants us to see
Hi I'm new to substacks if you follow me. I'll follow you back.
So this is a beautiful article, but as far as the title goes in a more general context, its very speciesist to say the most important thing is the world is people. People are important, yes. But most important? Thats pretty hard to claim. Human actions are arguably most important only because they have the largest impact on other species, but that doesnt inherently mean that humans are the MOST important thing in the world. That statement feels fueled by human-centric ego. Which is a huge component of why there are so many human rooted problems in the world.
this is an insane comment to leave on this piece
Agree to disagree then. Objectively, to say humans are the most important thing in the world is ignorant, regardless of what population of people say it. I never claimed human beings are not important. Nor did i imply that one group is more important than another. While there is plenty of good written in this piece, the line that humans being the MOST important, even if its a cultural proverb, simply is not when exercising critical thinking. The title/ proverb ruins and distracts from the beauty of this written piece.
https://open.substack.com/pub/jdieu7466r9hdv38/p/divestment?r=5odzap&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
This is so beautiful, in every a lot of places people only see war and destruction, but beyond that is the people and the lifestyle, tradition, the memories. ❤️ You have such an amazing voice and perspective, keep writing.
Stunning, and so evocative. You're absolutely right that the 'West' does not know nearly enough about the Middle East, and we don't do enough to educate ourselves, which means we risk losing so many fabulous cultures. It's pitiful, and should be taught to all of our children. Not only to improve understanding, but to prevent the loss of these amazing cultures. It's harder to not care about a people that you have learned about and understand.
This is an amazing piece of literature and a testament to the power of language and your skill as a writer. Despite having never been to Iran or the middle east for that matter, I couldn't help but feel both witness to the beautiful culture you've shared as well as the similarities between my mother country of Cyprus. We are all people -the most important thing- and human culture is one in all forms.