Sa’adeh’s practical view of existence, built upon a new understanding of life and its issues, doesn’t rely solely on the principle of philosophical continuity, but also on the principle of philosophical progression. The first principle connects new thinking with old thinking without nullifying old truths or relegating them to neglect and forgetfulness. Instead, it adjusts them and preserves the beneficial aspects. The principle of philosophical progression holds that the new perspective is of a higher and more advanced level than the concepts of the past in their pursuit of truth. It introduces new additions to previous concepts. Thus, it can be considered a new and advanced step towards elevation, as life progresses forward in an evolutionary and ascending manner, not backward.
This principle implies that al-Madrahiyyah embraces the idea of evolution rather than regression. Human (Syrian) existence is natural, alive, within the Syrian natural environment. It is the result of material-psychological interaction and follows an extended evolutionary pattern in time. Each stage of this evolution is closely connected to the stages that preceded it. Sa’adeh illustrated the qualities of this existence in his multiple writings. He laid down the general scientific foundation for its formation in all its aspects and fundamental factors in his book “The Genesis of Nations.” He wasn’t able to complete his second book on the emergence of the Syrian nation and its place within the context of human evolution, as his papers were confiscated during his second imprisonment in the summer of 1936 by the French mandate authorities. Afterwards, he faced harassment, conspiracies, troubles, and assassination attempts.
Sa’adeh called upon his people to adopt his new outlook and to act with the inspiration of its teachings to construct a new civilization that is better than the old civilization, in which our forefathers laid its foundations. He urged the construction of an elevated life, where they find all happiness, beauty, and a promising future. He stated, “Advanced nations must either emulate us or weave themselves according to our social nationalist model.”[1]
The Syrian Social Nationalists are striving with an all-encompassing doctrine that covers all aspects of social life and reaches an immeasurable, lofty height. They are fighting, confident that they are building a new and better civilization than the old one, whose foundations were laid by their ancestors. They are, from this philosophical perspective, at the forefront of nations that seek to create a better world than the current one. The Social Nationalists require no lessons from other nations. On the contrary, they are confident in their ability to contribute their innovative thinking to nations across all continents. This is a philosophy that slaughtering, utilitarian, and reactionary writers sought to suppress, preventing its expansion and obscuring its profound insights.
Ignoring the noise and distractions, the Social Nationalists refused to be consumed by the clamour, trivialities, and distortions hurled against them. Yet, they recognized the necessity of confronting these attacks, dedicating precious time to neutralize their toxic influence.[2]
[1] Sa´adeh, Antun. Al-‘Athar al-Kamilah (Complete works), vol. 10, Beirut: SSNP Cultural Department, p. 28.
[2] Antun Sa’adeh. The Complete Works, Vol 6, 1942-1943, “The Syrian Social Nationalist Doctrine and the Democrats’ search for a creed”, al-Zawba’ah, Buenos Aires, No. 46, 15/6/1942.
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