Idries Shah

Date of Birth: June 16, 1924

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: November 23, 1996

Biography

Idries Shah was a prominent Anglo-Afghan author, thinker, and teacher in the Sufi tradition. Born into a family with roots in both Afghanistan and India, Shah spent his life exploring and disseminating the rich heritage of Eastern philosophy to a Western audience. He wrote over three dozen books on a wide variety of topics, including psychology, spirituality, and cultural studies. Shah’s work was instrumental in introducing Sufi concepts and stories to the West, often using humor and wit to convey deep philosophical insights. His most famous work, “The Sufis,” is considered a seminal text in the field of spiritual and cultural studies. Shah was also known for his ability to demystify complex ideas, making them accessible to a broad audience.

5 Interesting Facts about Idries Shah

1. Idries Shah was born in Simla, India, into a family with a rich cultural and intellectual heritage, including connections to the Afghan royal family.

2. Shah’s seminal book, “The Sufis,” was published in 1964 and has been widely praised for its accessible introduction to Sufi thought and practice.

3. He founded the Institute for Cultural Research (ICR) in London, which focused on the study of human behavior and cultural dynamics.

4. Idries Shah’s works have been translated into dozens of languages, reaching a global audience.

5. Shah was a mentor to a number of notable figures, including the novelist Doris Lessing, who credited him with significantly influencing her work.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Idries Shah

1. “The essence of Sufism is that it is a practical teaching which can be used in everyday life.”

2. “Enlightenment must come little by little-otherwise it would overwhelm.”

3. “The wise man corrects his own errors by observing those of others.”

4. “A donkey with a load of holy books is still a donkey.”

5. “What you seek is seeking you.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Idries Shah’s highest net worth is not publicly documented; however, his contributions to literature and culture have left an invaluable legacy.

Children

Idries Shah had three children: Saira Shah, an award-winning journalist and documentary filmmaker; Tahir Shah, a renowned author and explorer; and Safia Shah, a writer and editor.