Wisdom of the Idiots

Wisdom of the Idiots

4.16 of 5 stars 4.16  ·  rating details  ·  115 ratings  ·  8 reviews
Because what narrow thinkers imagine to be wisdom is often seen by the Sufis to be folly, the Sufis sometimes call themselves 'the Idiots.'

The stories of these self-styled "idiots" are in fact skillfully designed exercises in which the movements of the characters portray psychological processes. The result is a working blueprint of the mind.

Paperback, 179 pages
Published December 12th 1989 by Octagon Press, Limited (first published 1979)
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Scott
I am still not sure what this book was. However, I did enjoy it.

This was another book I found in Bristol in a box on the street. That was a happy day!

I think that it was a book that was mocking the sufi sect in Islam with their obsessions with mysticism and spiritual leaders. At times the stories were ridiculously absurd and at others very enlightening. I even used one to teach the Young Men and church, and they still talk about it.

It does give a glimpse into the religion with its ideas of med...more
Freshifresh
One of my all time favorite books.
Jose Chang
Feb 02, 2008 Jose Chang added it Recommends it for: anyone
This is a fun collection of wise stories that had me thinking about myself and others around me. How can I review this book without insulting the Sufis and sounding like I'm boasting about it. There are many wise words in this tiny little book. I learned probably how to be a bit more patient and to not be so haughty.
Maureen
Sep 02, 2008 Maureen rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: everyone interested in Sufism
Shelves: sufism
In this book, Shah brings together a selection of stories, aphorisms, and short teachings. He has performed a real service to the West by making these passages available, since this collection belongs to the oral tradition of the great Sufi orders.
sara
an excellent collection of sufi anecdotes...one of my all time favorite books! love this one...u can read em over and over again and always learn somethin new...
Trey
Ahhh, the zen-like, hyper sexual awesomeness of the tales of the Sufis. Very very mind blanking.
Hafsa
Oct 17, 2008 Hafsa rated it 1 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Raza Rumi
An interesting, and therefore educating, collection of Sufi experiences.
Vishieschoi
It is a book of Sufi tales
Oe
May 13, 2013 Oe marked it as to-read
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Shelves: esoteric
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Wisdom of the Idiots (Hardcover)
La Sabídura de los Idiotas : Wisdom of the Idiots (Paperback)
32851
Idries Shah (Persian: ادریس شاه), also known as Idris Shah, né Sayed Idries el-Hashimi (Arabic: سيد إدريس هاشمي), was an author and teacher in the Sufi tradition who wrote over three dozen critically acclaimed books on topics ranging from psychology and spirituality to travelogues and culture studies.

Born in India, the descendant of a family of Afghan nobles, Shah grew up mainly in England. His ea...more
More about Idries Shah...
The Sufis Tales of the Dervishes The Pleasantries of the Incredible Mulla Nasrudin The Way of the Sufi Exploits of the Incomparable Mulla Nasrudin: The Subtleties of the Inimitable Mulla Nasrudin

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