Journal of the stylistic of Persian poem and prose
volume Number 18، number In Volume 4، July 2025 ، issue Number 110

Analysis and Study of the Components of a Good Life in Saadi's Bustan Based on Martin Seligman's Theory

Naimeh Omdeh Ghiyasi , Kamran Pashaei Fakhri (Author in Charge), Parvaneh Adelzadeh

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This research aims to analyze and study the components of a desirable and good life from the perspective of Martin Seligman"s positive psychology, focusing on Saadi"s attention to these components in the form of moral virtues and capabilities in the Bustan.

METHODOLOGY: The present research method is descriptive-analytical based on the critique of modern psychology and the use of Martin Seligman"s opinions and theories regarding a good and positive life. The statistical population is Saadi"s Bustan, corrected by Gholamhossein Yousefi. The research is conducted in three stages as follows: first, identifying Seligman"s points of view regarding a good life, second, identifying Saadi"s views in the Bustan regarding a good life, and third, comparing Saadi"s and Seligman"s views.

FINDINGS: The research findings indicate that the components of positive psychology that Martin Seligman proposes in order to improve the quantity and quality of people"s lives and create favorable conditions in human interactions have been considered in a completely deep and precise manner in Saadi"s Bustan centuries before the scientific presentation of this theory in modern psychology. Saadi, taking a close look at these propositions, composed the Bustan based on attention to moral virtues, which shows his attention to the depth of human spiritual and psychological issues.

CONCLUSION: The research results show that justice, knowledge and wisdom, attention to humanity, gratitude, self-control, moderation in affairs, courage, prudence, responsibility and excellence are among the propositions and components that have been considered in Saadi"s Bustan in line with Seligman"s components of positive psychology in order to enjoy a good life.

Keyword
Positive psychology. Martin Seligman. Good life. Saadi Busta

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