Rumi in Conversation with Thoreau and Emerson: Alireza Taghdarreh on Literary Bridges

Alireza Taghdarreh, an Iranian scholar who translated Thoreau’s Walden and Emerson’s Nature into Persian, will discuss Rumi and the transcendental connection at Weller Book Works in Salt Lake City on July 28th from 6:30 to 8:00. This literary explorer will share his experiences as a bridge builder between countries, cultures, and souls. He shows how the words of Rumi communicate across walls of time and create a community of mirrored minds and hearing hearts. Having delved into some of the greatest works of Persian and American literature, Taghdarreh examines the desire for friendship between these two peoples. Poetry readings, Q&A, and refreshments will follow.

This event is organized by Books & Bridges — a humanities forum of ideas and conversation. Our mission is to facilitate discussion on the best of human thought. We explore the wisdoms of the world and apply them to modern life. We have no political, religious or ideological affiliation. In a society divided by uncivil discourse, the beauty of the humanities—novels, history, philosophy, poetry, ethics and epics—lifts us to our better angels. In our busy world we need space for friends and fellow learners to do a little more heart-to-heart and mind-to-mind.