A Comparative and Contrastive Analysis of the Emerson Philosophical Essays and Ghaani's Distress

Abstract

In this study, Mirza Habibollah Shirazi’s (Ghaani) Distress was compared with Ralph Waldo Emerson’s two philosophical essays “Nature” and “Self-Reliance” in light of philosophical and moral views. The study aimed at comparison of these two contemporaneous poets and writers to trace the similarity, differences and source of their teachings, because the rearcher assumed the two thinkers have many ideas in common. To perform the study, the main ideas in the selected works of the two poets were analyzed in length and then their works were compared and contrasted. Results of the analysis indicated that In Emerson’s “Nature,” God is present in nature and man is not separable from metaphysical order. “Self-Reliance” emphasized non-conformity and dependence of the individual self. Ghanni’s Distress was described as a window to Eastern metaphysics that specified didactic implications. Emerson uses a general idea of philosophy of nature’s utility and then focuses on deductive reasoning. In addition, Emerson philosophy of transcendental and metaphysical philosophy represents perception of nature and self in an independent philosophy and strengthened diverse education of Eastern philosophy and poetry. Ghaani is merely advocator of Sa’di’s style and educational teachings