Book Launch and Discussion on “Between Thought & Action: An Intellectual Biography of Fethullah Gülen” by Professor Ori Soltes
On Monday, the 5th of June an eagerly anticipated book launch and discussion took place at Deakin Downtown, Melbourne. The event celebrated the release of “Between Thought & Action: An Intellectual Biography of Fethullah Gülen ” by Professor Ori Soltes from Georgetown University.
The book delves into the life and ideas of Fethullah Gülen, an influential Turkish scholar, thinker, and activist known for his philosophy of education, interfaith dialogue, and social activism. The conversation was led by the respected journalist and AIS Advisory Board member George Donikian, who expertly guided the chat and ensured that the audience was engaged throughout the event. Professor Soltes opened the dialogue by sharing his personal inspiration for writing the book, stating, “Thought without action is useless and action without thought is dangerous.” This profound statement set the stage for a captivating conversation that explored the relationship between ideas and their practical application.
Drawing from his extensive research and first-hand encounters, Professor Soltes shared his transformative experience of meeting Fethullah Gülen. After years of admiring Gulen’s work from afar, this meeting provided Soltes with a deep insight into the intellectual and spiritual world of the influential figure. He expressed his admiration for Gülen’s ability to bridge the gap between thought and action, inspiring individuals to translate their beliefs into meaningful deeds that contribute to positive social change. The audience was captivated by Professor Soltes’ stories and anecdotes, which shed light on Gulen’s philosophy and the impact it has had on countless lives worldwide. The discussion touched upon various topics, including education, interfaith dialogue and social activism.
Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions, leading to thought-provoking conversations that further enriched the overall experience. The event successfully fostered an atmosphere of intellectual exploration, encouraging participants to reflect on their own actions and the potential for positive change within society. George also commented about Gulen’s ability to present concepts about service that everyone could relate to and reminisced his meeting with him. Dr David Tittensor from the University of Melbourne offered his reflections and commented about how the interviewees were influenced by Gulen’s teachings encouraging those who can to participate in social activism causes whether it be education, philanthropy or other.
As the evening came to a close, attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose and inspiration. The book launch and discussion had provided a unique opportunity to gain insight into the life and ideas of Fethullah Gülen.”Between Thought & Action: An Intellectual Biography of Fethullah Gülen ” promises to be an essential read for anyone interested in the intersection of ideas and their impact on society. Professor Soltes’ meticulous research and personal connection to his subject create a compelling narrative that captures the essence of Gülen’s philosophy. This book serves as both a tribute to Fethullah Gülen’s intellectual contributions and an invitation for readers to reflect on the power of thought and action in shaping our world.
