Sa‘di’s Debate with an Opponent on Wealth and Poverty
Sa‘di’s Debate with an Opponent on Wealth and Poverty
Fol. 106r from a manuscript of Kulliyat of Sa‘di
India, Agra, ca. 1604
Watercolours, gold, and ink on paper
AKM284.18
This story debates the merits of rich versus poor. The poet Sa‘di argues for the rich, whom he depicts as generous and high-minded, while his opponent sides with the poor, who deserve pity and are ill-treated. Eventually, they consult a judge, who reminds them that among rich and poor alike are those who act honourably and those who act ignobly. Seemingly out of touch with today’s debates surrounding income inequality, the story concludes that the most noble of men are those who are both rich and generous, including the Gulistan’s dedicatee, Abu Bakr ibn Sa‘d. In other words, the story is a ruse — a way for Sa‘di to coax a reward from his wealthy patron!