Harmonizing Ancient Wisdom and Modern Peacebuilding: Lessons from Love, Nature, and the Inert-Existentiality of Being in the Age of Global Leaders
The idea of peace, unity, and transcendence of the self over collective humanity has long been an ideal espoused in Persian poetry, particularly the works of Hafez, Rumi, and Khayyam. All these poets, whose verses have transcended time and borders, offer insights into the inert existentiality of being, a concept that is as relevant today as it was when these poets penned their verses.
In a world of conflict and political tension, the timeless wisdom of ancient poetry offers a striking contrast to the cacophony of contemporary geopolitics. As we consider the global stage today, marked by the actions of leaders such as Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Volodymyr Zelensky, and Benjamin Netanyahu, it is impossible to ignore the contrasting realities of their powerful influence and the seemingly eternal nature of human conflict.
Yet, what if we looked to the poetry of love, nature, and the inert-existentiality of being to guide us? What if we could use the teachings of these poets and the peace-oriented vision of leaders like Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) to reshape the future of diplomacy, armed conflict, and global relations?
This article explores how the ideas of love, nature, and the inert-existentiality of being, as illuminated by the poetry of Hafez, Rumi, and Khayyam, could offer the keys to transforming our current geopolitical order into one of cooperation and understanding.
By examining the potential of MBS’s Vision 2030 for peace and global connectedness, we aim to consider how today’s leaders can benefit from these ancient philosophical insights to help build a world free from borders, armies, conspiracies, and secret intelligentsia.
Table of Contents
Ancient Wisdom and Its Relevance Today
Persian poetry, especially the works of Hafez, Rumi, and Omar Khayyam, holds profound wisdom that resonates across generations. These poets, each writing in a time when the world was gripped by conflict and instability, crafted verses that continue to influence our thinking today. Their words, brimming with the themes of love, nature, and the human condition, provide valuable insights into how we might resolve the strife that characterizes our present age.
Love: The Universal Force
Rumi, in his Divan-e-Shams, often extolled the transformative power of love: “Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray.” This love is not merely romantic or personal, but a universal force that transcends boundaries. It is a love that connects the human spirit to the divine, to nature, and to one another. This force has the potential to unite, heal, and foster understanding across nations, cultures, and ideologies.
It is here that we find a striking parallel with the ambitions of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. His Vision 2030 seeks to reshape Saudi Arabia into a modern, interconnected nation, leveraging technology and diplomacy to foster peace and cooperation.
By advocating for social reforms, promoting moderate Islam, and creating platforms for regional and global cooperation, MBS’s vision echoes Rumi’s call for unity through love, a force that transcends the material and the political.
In today’s fractious world, where leaders often operate from positions of power and dominance, the concept of inert-existentiality of being provides a compelling counter-narrative. It suggests that true power does not come from control over others but from a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of all beings.
This philosophy, deeply embedded in Persian poetry, teaches us that the true essence of peace lies not in dominating others, but in recognizing the inherent dignity of every individual and the shared humanity that binds us.
Nature: The Mirror of Unity
In the poetry of Hafez, the natural world is a recurring motif, used to symbolize both beauty and the transient nature of life. In his Diwan-e-Hafiz, he writes:
“The garden’s fragrance lifts my soul, my heart takes flight,
The nightingale sings, the roses bloom—oh, how bright.”
Hafez uses nature not only to speak of love but also to remind us of the fleeting nature of life. This imagery, the rose, the nightingale, and the garden, speaks of harmony, growth, and the cycles of life that continue, despite our human turmoil.
In this context, nature offers a metaphor for peace, a peaceful existence that is not static but vibrant, ever-changing, and yet always rooted in interconnectedness.
In the modern world, where borders have been drawn with the stroke of a pen and where wars are fought over resources and ideologies, the reminder from nature is clear: our conflict is unnatural.
Just as the rose and nightingale coexist in harmony, so too should we, as nations and peoples, learn to live in harmony. MBS’s investments in sustainable technology, such as the NEOM project, which aims to create a zero-carbon city, reflect an understanding that nature and humanity are not separate entities but interconnected.
His focus on renewable energy and green technologies is not just an economic strategy but a philosophical one, recognizing that peace, much like nature, requires balance, respect, and foresight.
The Inert-Existentiality of Being
The term inert-existentiality of being captures the philosophical core of many ancient poetic traditions, including those of the Persian mystics. This idea points to a deeper layer of existence beyond the material world, an inner state of being that transcends the ego and the superficial trappings of power and status.
In Rumi’s words: “When you let go off the self, you become the whole world.”
This concept suggests that the root of peace lies not in external agreements or temporary alliances but in an internal transformation, one that allows leaders and individuals to step beyond self-interest and see the world through the lens of collective human existence.
It is this form of existential reflection that could help today’s leaders shift from the pursuit of power to the pursuit of peace. A commitment to peace-building is a commitment to the inert-existentiality of being, a call to transcend the ego, understand our shared humanity, and build a future that recognizes the interconnectedness of all.
MBS’s Vision 2030: Peace Through Global Cooperation
At the heart of Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 is a vision of global cooperation. The focus on economic diversification, technological innovation, and sustainable development aligns with the principles found in ancient Persian poetry.
Just as Hafez wrote of a garden of peace and Rumi spoke of a love that transcends boundaries, MBS’s vision aims to create a world where nations, cultures, and religions coexist in harmony.
MBS’s efforts to modernize Saudi Arabia and shift the country’s economy away from oil dependency are part of a broader global strategy to foster cooperation. Vision 2030 seeks to create new industries, build alliances, and promote a future where technology bridges divides rather than deepens them.
In this way, MBS’s vision can be seen as an attempt to weave the threads of peace and cooperation that poets like Rumi, Hafez, and Khayyam sought to bring to the world.
Moreover, MBS’s push for moderating radical interpretations of Islam, promoting tolerance, and creating diplomatic initiatives to resolve conflicts (e.g., in Yemen and across the Middle East) also reflects the essence of inert-existentiality of being. It suggests that true peace begins within the self and radiates outward, reshaping the world through connection, understanding, and compassion.
The Futility of War in the Modern Age
War has long been a method by which nations have sought to impose their will on others. Yet, as Khayyam’s Rubaiyat eloquently reminds us:
“The moving finger writes, and having writ moves on;
Nor all thy piety nor wit shall lure it back to cancel half a line.”
This verse serves as a reminder of the futility of human conflict. War is not just destructive; it is futile. The causes of war, be they political, territorial, or ideological, are fleeting, while the consequences are enduring. War only perpetuates suffering and destabilization, leaving behind scars that are passed down through generations.
In the age of supercomputing, quantum technology, and digital innovation, the tools exist to create a world without borders, without armies, and without conspiracies. The question is no longer whether these tools are available, but whether world leaders can shift their thinking and embrace a new vision of global cooperation, connectedness and unity of humanity.
MBS’s Vision 2030 is a step in that direction, aiming to foster peace through technological innovation, regional diplomacy, and environmental sustainability. But true progress will require a fundamental shift in the way we perceive ourselves, as individuals, as nations, and as a global community.
Rumi’s message of love and unity, Hafez’s vision of a peaceful garden, and Khayyam’s reflection on life’s impermanence all point to the same conclusion: the time has come to transcend the need for war and embrace a new era of cooperation, and co-existence.
Conclusion: The Path to a Borderless, Peaceful World
As we face an increasingly interconnected world, it is time for humanity to recognize the futility of conflict the power of love, nature, and the inert-existentiality of being in guiding us toward peace.
Just as the poets of ancient Persia saw the interconnectedness of all things, today’s leaders must recognize that peace is not only possible but essential for the survival and flourishing of all. Through the lens of poetry, technology, and a renewed commitment to cooperation, we can build a world where borders are irrelevant, arms are unnecessary, and war is nothing but a distant, foolish memory.