05-15-2012, 11:09 PM
Sean, we don't even have a few Persian 'lighthouse works' which could have given a glimpse of a genuine Persian high culture in the arts in the way of the Greeks, Chinese or even the Indians. There can only be one reason: the ancient Persians, as in fact the whole Ancient Near East, never make the decisive step from the Mythos to the Logos and the rise of all the scientific disciplines which accompanied it. It simply did not happen in the Ancient Near East and that's why this region fell behind in the world order compared to the younger high civilizations. In fact, I found most world historians agree on this point. Babylonian astronomy/science was superseded by the Greeks in the last centuries BC and as a tradition long discontinued even before the Muslim period.
Touraj Daryaee looks like a honorable chap but he too wants his Persians up there with the big boys where they just don't belong. I have read many interviews and secondary material which makes this claim but when it comes to evidence they just all fell silent.
Touraj Daryaee looks like a honorable chap but he too wants his Persians up there with the big boys where they just don't belong. I have read many interviews and secondary material which makes this claim but when it comes to evidence they just all fell silent.
Stefan (Literary references to the discussed topics are always appreciated.)
