Abdolkarim Soroush: A Visionary of Iranian Modernity


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Full Name and Common Aliases


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Abdolkarim Soroush is a renowned Iranian philosopher, theologian, and intellectual. He is commonly known as Soroush, which translates to "surge" or "wave" in Persian.

Birth and Death Dates


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Born on November 2, 1945, Abdolkarim Soroush is still alive today.

Nationality and Profession(s)


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Iranian by nationality, Soroush's professional life has been marked by a diverse array of roles. He has worked as a philosopher, theologian, professor, reformer, and human rights advocate.

Early Life and Background


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Soroush was born in Tehran, Iran, to a family with a strong background in Islamic studies. His father was an Islamic scholar who had studied under the tutelage of Ayatollah Khomeini, the future Supreme Leader of Iran. Soroush's early life was deeply influenced by his family's intellectual and spiritual pursuits.

Major Accomplishments


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Throughout his career, Abdolkarim Soroush has achieved numerous milestones that have earned him international recognition. Some of these accomplishments include:

Influence on Iranian reform movement: Soroush's ideas played a significant role in shaping the Iranian Reform Movement (1990s-2005), which aimed to modernize Iran and introduce democratic reforms.
Philosophical contributions: He has written extensively on various philosophical topics, including epistemology, metaphysics, and ethics. His work has been translated into multiple languages and has had a significant impact on the global intellectual community.
Human rights advocacy: Soroush has been an outspoken advocate for human rights in Iran, speaking out against government censorship, torture, and other forms of repression.

Notable Works or Actions


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Some of Abdolkarim Soroush's notable works include:

"The Expansion of Prophetic Experience and the Bases of Islamic Government" (1990) - This work critiques the concept of the "guardianship of the jurist" in Iranian politics.
"Reason, Freedom, and Democracy in Islam" (2000) - In this book, Soroush explores the relationship between reason, freedom, and democracy within an Islamic context.

Impact and Legacy


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Abdolkarim Soroush's impact on modern Iran cannot be overstated. He has inspired a generation of Iranian intellectuals to think critically about their country's politics and society. His ideas have contributed significantly to the development of liberal and democratic thought in Iran, shaping the trajectory of the country's reform movement.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


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Abdolkarim Soroush is widely quoted and remembered for his:

Innovative thinking: He has introduced new perspectives on Islamic philosophy and theology, challenging traditional interpretations.
Courageous advocacy: Despite facing persecution and exile, Soroush continues to speak out against human rights abuses in Iran.
Inspiring vision: His commitment to democracy, freedom, and reason has inspired countless individuals worldwide.

As a visionary thinker, Abdolkarim Soroush's legacy extends far beyond his native Iran. His ideas have resonated with people across cultures and borders, shaping the global conversation on modernity, faith, and human rights.

Quotes by Abdolkarim Soroush

After the 9/11 incidents, Islam has become a big question mark among westerners, especially Americans. The mass media constantly raise the issue of relationship between Islam and terrorism.
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After the 9/11 incidents, Islam has become a big question mark among westerners, especially Americans. The mass media constantly raise the issue of relationship between Islam and terrorism.
Compromise has a negative connotation.
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Compromise has a negative connotation.
As a result of the awareness and consciousness of decline, an awareness and consciousness of a national ethnicity or an Islamic identity also came into being.
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As a result of the awareness and consciousness of decline, an awareness and consciousness of a national ethnicity or an Islamic identity also came into being.
One of the achievements of the reform movement is that people realize that they can be democrats and remain faithful Muslims. Democracy is now an established idea.
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One of the achievements of the reform movement is that people realize that they can be democrats and remain faithful Muslims. Democracy is now an established idea.
When I have an idea, I'm like a pregnant woman. I just have to deliver.
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When I have an idea, I'm like a pregnant woman. I just have to deliver.
We no longer claim that a genuinely religious government can be democratic, but that it cannot be otherwise.
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We no longer claim that a genuinely religious government can be democratic, but that it cannot be otherwise.
People should know what they want, not just what they don't want.
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People should know what they want, not just what they don't want.
It is up to God to reveal a religion, but up to us to understand and realise it.
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It is up to God to reveal a religion, but up to us to understand and realise it.
Human beings can remain spiritual and religious while enjoying the benefits of rational administration of their affairs.
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Human beings can remain spiritual and religious while enjoying the benefits of rational administration of their affairs.
A realistic view of humanity will stop the proliferation of impossible injunctions.
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A realistic view of humanity will stop the proliferation of impossible injunctions.
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