Without World Literature, We Fall into Nihilism / Stories from the Soil

In a world where nations are as close as neighbors in a single house, the most crucial element for fostering empathy and understanding is the translation of literary works. Through translation, we step into the minds of others and see the world through their eyes. A world without world literature would be a hollow, meaningless, and nihilistic place.

Hossein Tahmasebi, a translator and author from Khorrambid in Fars province, believes this deeply. He argues that translation is not just a profession but a vital current that connects different thoughts and cultures, much like a life-giving river.

In an interview with IRNA, he stated: “The absence of translation of world literature in a society, especially one with a rich literary heritage, is a significant void. It is through these translations that we connect with the thoughts of people from other lands.”

He added: “In a world where technology has brought nations so close, understanding each other’s cultures is essential. Translation allows us to grasp these diverse cultures and perspectives, preventing us from falling into a sense of nihilism. When we read stories from other countries, we realize our shared humanity—our common joys, sorrows, and concerns.”

Tahmasebi likens translation to a river that flows through a land, bringing new life and vitality. “It introduces fresh ideas and styles, enriching our own literature and preventing it from becoming stagnant,” he said.

Regarding his own work, the short story collection “Stories from the Soil,” Tahmasebi explained his philosophy of writing about what he knows best: “I believe a writer should write about the environment and people they are familiar with. The stories in my book are about the people of my region, their lives, and the soil I grew up on. I write about their joys and sorrows because I have lived them.”

He emphasized that while he reads world literature extensively, his own writing is rooted in his local identity. “I write about the people and the land I belong to. This is the source of my inspiration,” he concluded.