The creative Syrian thought that has continuously sought to uncover the secrets and mysteries of the universe at every stage of history, as well as to invent sophisticated inventions, arts, and record the finest laws, regulations, philosophies, and other civilizational achievements – this creative thinking is exemplified in Sa’adeh’s work and his independent thought process. It marked a significant intellectual revolution within our people, reflecting our beautiful and proactive Syrian psyche. This psyche possesses all the qualifications for sound awareness and comprehensive understanding of life, the universe, art, and the ability “to know within itself”[1] and “discern purpose and envision the highest forms of beauty in life.”[2]

Thanks to his genius, mental abilities, and the qualities he possessed in terms of intellectual acumen, creativity, and positive and independent thinking, all of which were far from imitation and borrowing, and due to his profound knowledge of history, social sciences, anthropology, geography, and his broad exposure to various human civilizations, religious beliefs, and philosophical schools of thought, Sa’adeh was able to formulate his new social nationalist philosophy. This philosophy is considered an innovation in intellectual thought, while remaining a philosophical continuation of the ancient Syrian line of thinking and its issues, albeit with a “new understanding of life and its issues, the universe and its possibilities, and art and its objectives.”[3] Sa’adeh’s new perspective is closely connected to the essential origin, to the historical Syrian self and its course, and the truths of ancient Syrian thinking, principles, and issues. It originates from this essence.

Sa’adeh refers to this as the “philosophical continuation” between ancient Syrian thought and the new Syrian Social Nationalist thought.[4] The principle of philosophical continuity is demonstrated in his explanation of the seventh fundamental principle, which includes an explicit call for national revival through the pursuit of intellectual and spiritual independence, free from foreign influences, while maintaining interaction with the world. It’s also evident in his clear call to connect with the Syrian essence, “to understand its structure, currents, and driving principles”[5] through a commitment to national history, a return to Syrian heritage and civilization, and a reconnection with the essence of the nation and its true psyche, which is evident in the intellectual and practical contributions of its individuals, in its course, works, and cultural achievements.[6]

[1] Antun Sa´adeh, Al-Muhadarat al-‘Ashr (The Ten Lectures), op. cit., p. 109.

[2] Ibid.

[3] Antun Sa´adeh. As-Sira’ al-Fikri fil-Adab as-Suri (Intellectual Struggle in Syrian Literature), op. cit., p. 71.

[4] Ibid., p. 60.

[5] Haytham A. Kader. Sa´adeh Taba´an, 1st edition, 1988, Bissan, Beirut, p. 113.

[6] Antun Sa´adeh, Al-Muhadarat al-‘Ashr (The Ten Lectures),op. cit.,  pp. 105-105.

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