Gulistan (book)

The Gulistan (Persian: گلستان‎, "The Rose Garden") is a seminal work of Persian literature, completed in 1258 by the Persian poet Saadi Shirazi. It is one of his two major works, the other being the Bustan (The Orchard). The Gulistan is primarily a collection of anecdotes and poems, presented in prose and verse.

The work is divided into eight chapters, each focusing on a different theme or aspect of life and governance:

1. The Manners of Kings
2. On the Morals of Dervishes
3. On the Excellence of Contentment
4. On the Advantages of Silence
5. On Love and Youth
6. On Weakness and Old Age
7. On the Effects of Education
8. On Rules for Conduct in Life

The Gulistan is renowned for its wisdom, wit, and moral instruction. It presents a wide range of ethical lessons and observations on human nature, drawing from the author's extensive travels and experiences. Saadi's writing style is characterized by its elegance, clarity, and concise expression. The Gulistan has been translated into numerous languages and has had a lasting impact on Persian and world literature, often used as a source of proverbs and wise sayings. It remains a highly regarded text in Iranian culture and is studied for its literary value and its insightful commentary on the human condition.