Hurry, but Slowly / Younes Shokrkhah: Haste Leads to Efficiency, but Slowness Leads to Wisdom

According to Khabaronline News Agency, quoting from the Iranian Artists’ Forum, the special “Night of Slowness” program was held on Monday, November 10th (19 Aban) to mark the launch of the “Gharar Foundation” at the Iranian Artists’ Forum. Younes Shokrkhah, professor of communications and journalism, Seyed Mohammad Beheshti, researcher of cultural landscape and university professor, and Ehsan Afshar, PhD researcher in communications and founder of the Gharar Foundation, were among the speakers at this ceremony.

Ehsan Afshar, founder of the Gharar Foundation, began his speech by saying: “I will present a narrative of the formation of the idea behind the ‘Gharar’ Foundation. The story goes back to the winter of 2014, when I had submitted my thesis at the Art University and had to decide whether to continue my studies or enter the job market. In my youth and adolescence, I spent my best times in the bookstores across from the university; from Jeyhoon and Negah to Ney, Amirkabir, and Kharazmi. Although I never became a full-fledged reader, watching and leafing through books gave me a good feeling, and this habit stayed with me.”

Afshar said about his experience with books: “Even today, in transitional times, between fleeting uncertainties, I visit bookstores, browse the sociology, philosophy, and art shelves, expose myself to others’ thoughts, and sometimes buy a few books. The books are not read immediately; they await a suitable opportunity.”

He then referred to his source of inspiration and said: “In the winter of 2014, a music album called ‘Festina Lente’ or ‘Hurry Slowly’ planted the seed of tonight’s idea within me. Later, I rephrased this phrase in memory of Hossein Panahi as ‘Hurry, but Slowly.’ I reflect on this ancient wisdom everywhere and in every situation, without necessarily finding a practical way to apply slowness in daily life.”

Afshar explained the concept of slowness as follows: “Slowness does not mean lowering movement or acceleration, but rather practicing stability and balance in a fast-paced life. Slowness means sharpening the senses and attention to perceive beauty; the beauty of a text, a piece of music, or a human soul. The smallest contribution of slowness to inner growth should not be overlooked.”

He continued by talking about the formation of the Gharar Foundation: “Upon reaching the second half of my life and gaining experience, I decided to form a collective movement to expand this idea. I placed myself at the center of the research and asked: ‘What is your Gharar (stability/purpose)?’ The answer was: self-knowledge, knowledge of the surrounding environment, and a little knowledge of others. These three pillars became the roof of the Gharar Foundation; with empathetic companions who trusted me and thinkers who spiritually supported the foundation.”