The paradox that is Persia: Abbas Milani at TEDxStanford

Abbas Milani is the Hamid and Christina Moghadam Director of Iranian Studies at Stanford and a co-director of the Iran Democracy Project at the Hoover Institution. Until 1986, he taught at Tehran University's Faculty of Law and Political Science. In his 12 years at Stanford, he has taught courses on modern Iranian politics, culture and religion, and has published more than 20 books and 200 articles and book reviews on these topics. His latest book is The Shah (Palgrave, 2011). He is a regular on major news and opinion programs around the world and a contributing editor to The New Republic.
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[@martinayari3529]

I lived in Iran for 4 years and I am in love with the country and in love with the people

[@behrouzfarahani9637]

Thanks dearest, Iran love you more ❤❤❤

[@SueTaban]

Thank you

[@AminiJalal]

2500 years ago was the beginning of the Achaemenid Empire, not the begining of Iran history. Actually, Iran's history goes back to about 7000 BC.

[@nagihangot6133]

Try 10000

[@user-bj9or7ke3u]

@anti Abraham older

[@faraharjomand4080]

Thanks

[@earthman6700]

Since I had a brief meeting with an Iranian woman in London and the UK held the Oil Tanker in Gibraltar I found that Iran is indeed an interesting Country. And I find I like the people. Respect to the Persian people. (from an Englishman).

[@SaraRamezaniHOST]

❤🌷

[@earthman6700]

@@SaraRamezaniHOST Merci. 😊

[@hosseinsadeghi2468]

from tehran with love

[@danzamini4513]

Hello Earth Man @ First, I am Earth man too, second, I’m a Persian. In Iran we have a round 10 different people which 5 of them are older than 5 other and today we all together calls IRANIAN. Just saying.

[@behrouzfarahani9637]

Thanks dearest, Your judgment about The Iranian people is absolutely true. We The Iranian people are very good and very kind people and we want peace and friendship with the world. I really appreceiate you as an Iranian.

[@hspringmp8084]

His voice is incredible. I want him to read all history to me. Great talk! Facts.

[@johniseppi643]

Seems we in the west have a lot of misconceptions about Persians/Iranians. They are usually very lovely and enlightened people. Can’t say the same for their government, and the same holds true for most countries. Great talk, thanks for the info...

[@mogbaba]

As an Iranian, I do not call the current regime a government. If Germany has a government, we cannot call the ruling regime also a government. Many of us call it the regime but I even do not consider that right. The Franco system in Spain was a regime, the current system is a coalition of Iran's culturally lowest layers of thieves and looters. They even do not care about the religion they claim to be the followers of. That we should experience this, is exactly what the point of the speech is, the paradox of Persia.

[@hamedpourhassan1370]

Don't believe him, he is just a nationalist who wants to read history in favor of nationalists, did you know persians are in minority in iran !!! How he can call Iran as Persia. It is the word constructed by western and Iranian nationalists. Fictions are edible of course

[@mogbaba]

@@lemortedbrian6070 You don't even know the difference between Iran and Islamic regime. You don't know the history. I was in that so called referendum, do you know that Iraqis vote for Saddam was 100 percent? I think the atrocities committed by the Shah regime and the Savak are roots to today's catastrophes. I am an Iranian, you are not. you don't know what an Iranian is. I have fought and defended my land for 5 years. I hope you free yourself from what mullahs have put on your mind, if you are not on their payroll.

[@nisrrah8198]

@@mogbaba , youre a zionist twit, if not, youre not even 1% of the opposition, THe people voted and chose an islamic theocracy in iran, get over it

[@Z33-t6d]

@@lemortedbrian6070 exactly. hit all the points.

[@brushenas]

Admirable and amazing presentation in such a short time to cover 4 important phases or Iranian history.

[@jblvandegiessen3605]

PERSIA HISTORY.

[@randomnateddude]

jbl van de Giessen Persia is a Greek word, they've always called themselves Iranian

[@mezroth]

Jbi please note that persians called themselves parsian and they still do. It is not a greek word as commonly thought. Pars is a southern region where persopolis the capital was based. The people of pars are called parsian or as the greeks pronounced persian.

[@shawnshawmlou5136]

Thank you for showing a very different and in fact interesting and true side of Iran.

[@PouyaKhadem]

I wish this was an hour long talk. So fascinating!

[@rsteven]

Awesome presentation! Many of the points shared were eye opening.

[@AngelaRodhas]

I can't believe he had only 17 minute to talk about the biggest, greater and most influential empire of all time.

[@ariagavvv]

Not at all subjective with your characterization

[@Rishi123456789]

"I can't believe he had only 17 minute to talk about the biggest, greater and most influential empire of all time." The Roman Empire was undoubtedly the biggest, greatest and most influential empire of all time. But the Persian Empire was still very influential.

[@dariusbaluchi4890]

@@Rishi123456789 The Persian Empire was the greatest and most influential. The most important things in the world come from Persia like the wheel, human rights, alcohol etc..

[@sohrabakhavan]

What a magnificent speech, Dr Milani made me proud of my heritage.

[@jeffshooshtari7216]

Very nice speech. Thank you for spreading the cultural understanding to US and the world.

[@babijan7436]

Ghorban, are you from Shushtar?

[@mikekashani2698]

Great speech..Very informative. Great scholar. Thank you Professor Milani.

[@networkwarriors4499]

Wow! What a great speech! Thanks TEDx

[@Nozarks1]

Beautiful talk. Very informative. I'm so glad Iran kept it's the most beautiful poetic language.

[@as2870]

Dr. Milani,I respect you for a few things,the first is for the informed proud you feel for this history and culture. I wish you the best.

[@hamiedarvand5436]

Well done Mr. Milani. In such a short time, you made an excellent introduction to Iran and Persian culture.

[@aryanpers4173]

Thanks to Mr Milani for giving us your knowledge about Iran! God bless you!

[@Mor4Ing]

Brilliant. Very informative. Thoroughly enjoyed watching this video. Thank you Mr., Milani

[@soundofmehr]

Thank you Dr. Milani. The whole world need to know who we are and you did it. Bravo.

[@SueTaban]

Mr Melani you are one the best man in Iran history .

[@myartinjon]

Putting 3000 yrs of history in a nutshell, well-done sir!

[@roozbehgh25]

I am really impressed by this fascinating talk. I think partially because I am now living in a foreign country and have been seen those strange and puzzled faces after telling proudly that I am from Iran!

[@masoodk9954]

Mr. Milani in the 17 minutes up with your speech that was excellent and very educational thank you so much I appreciate you

[@factfullnessthelikes4566]

Beautiful and very intellectual presentation! Thank you 👍

[@mahan2661]

As a persian, i'm so proud of this speech🇮🇷🇮🇷❤️

[@mehrzadegol]

I have to share these precious few minutes! All the best to the brilliant speaker. See the very pertinence by the presence of quite a few (at least 39!) paid to repress free expressions on already banned WEB to Iranian population! Keep it up Doc! THX***

[@artofcelebration]

zendeh baad Mr Milani. thank you for such a precise and to the point explanation of Iranian situation in such a short time. we are so proud to have scholars like you and such a brilliant diaspora. The new generation is blooming

[@marybazargan757]

Very Simple , very easy to understand and so beautiful speech about Persia, Iran Thanks so much for Mr. Abbas Milani

[@hediyehb9082]

I really liked that he stuck to the actual proven facts, kept away from any controversial name droppings and only stayed with historical tracable mile stones... very difficult, very well spoken.

[@rivas97]

فقط همان دروغهای یهودیان را در مورد ایران تکرار کرد. تاریخ تمدن ایران بیش از دوازده هزار سال است و به دوران پس از یخبندان باز می‌گردد. هفت هزار سال هنر پارسی اش مکتوب و مستند شده است. کتابهایش نیز هستند.

[@mehdiahmadi4592]

Very good

[@CHRIST24-7]

@@rivas97 درود دوست عزیز لطفا نام ببرید کتابهایی که دوازده هزار سال از تمدن ایران صحبت میکنند ممنون میشم خواندن ان کتابها خیلی جالب خواهد بود.

[@mashtali1]

@@rivas97 تا 5 هزار سال عاقلانه است. ولی 12 هزار سال پيش عصر هجر بوده و ايران کشور نبوده

[@changiz110]

Thank you .

[@fatemehaharimohadjer2097]

changiz changiz .

[@RahulDcruzJohnson]

This was a breath of fresh air

[@mostafaabedi9386]

Done just beautifully Thank you..

[@va3xto]

My most influential professor during my masters degree here in Canada was a Persian... very articulate TEDx talk.

[@omidameri]

Remarkable speech, Thank you prof. Milani

[@behzad.k]

I proud you Mr.milani as a Persian. Thanks very much for your significant speech.

[@jenloveslife8890]

Thank you for this talk! so informative! helped me a lot!

[@naveedfarbakhsh8453]

Being Persian is the luckiest thing that ever happened to me, and also the most frustrating. Long live Iranians!

[@youtubeexpert2441]

people who think like you are pathetic.

[@shahinjafari3948]

Dearest Mr Abbas Milani Many thanks for your remarkable talk base on history and just explanation in such short time Many thanks Shahin Jafari

[@ninaaryaie8586]

It was a short and very accurate. He is very wise and knowledgeable.

[@antoinecompagnoni5715]

Now that Mr. Milani calls Iran as a half colony of China and Russia I have one question from him. Was Iran an absolutely independent state during the Shah or it was a "half colony" of the USA and UK?

[@noeshiable]

Amazing. Thank you Mr Milani. 🙏 Very strong speech!!

[@corndoc144]

Beautiful presentation and summary of the essence of the history of Persia

[@zoramehr2393]

oLD Land, mysterious LAND, RICH HISTORY ,...BUT TIRED LAND,.!

[@Osstovar]

That’s such a remarkable presentation, God bless you Prof. 🙏🏼🆒🤘🏼

[@Sourena291]

Throughout various periods, Iran has faced different attacks, yet Iranians have consistently risen, stood on their feet, and constructed improved versions of themselves. The Mullahs, despite their own reluctance, played a significant role in Iran by demonstrating the potential horrors of governing a country solely through religious rules. This painful but profoundly valuable experience has been been a huge achievement for all Iranians.

[@9131415485]

Brilliant speech! I suggest "The Shah", Milani's recent book for further reading about Persia.

[@luisaaraujo8395]

The video was very useful for me cause I know a couple from persia and one day he told to a person who was righ by my side I am not from india im from persia. And I styed there quiet thinkng whith my self what a shame I us to fhink he was from india to don t know were persia is dont know nothing abaut persia and then after seeing this video I had the oportunity of learn more. The video was great.

[@jf6122]

it may be interesting for you to know that in Persian literature there is a branch it is called Indian-Persian literature and that's created because poets migrated to India because Muslims kings were killing them and they told them you should compose lyrics for the Imams. So they migrated to India to find a safe place to live. There is a lot of possibility that your forefather was a poert.

[@ahmadkhokar1]

Viper vs datsun

[@sammyh1982]

Great speech...although I wish he also mentioned the Cyrus Cylinder, the first charter of human rights in the world over 2500 years ago, a copy of which is on display at the U.N.

[@Bullcutter]

And the original in the British Museum!

[@scepticartivist7922]

This is how to demonstrate other images or stories about Iran. Political history matters!!👍🏼 It is impossible to show a multi-faceted image of a country, or to avoid single-story about a nation, without embeding those images or stories in political-historical context. I enjoy proffesor Abbas Milani's talks.🙏🏼😊👍🏼

[@viannesavoli8138]

Amazing talk doctor!

[@malmalhi007]

I have always held Iranians in high esteem.. from Naval cadets to ordinary Iranians.. Next life I will return as an Iranian.. Look out for me in 40 years time!!!

[@SaraBiographies]

I was impressed by his speech but your comment made me laugh . We will wait for you lol but trust me you don't need Persian blood . All you need is to learn Persian language and go deep and deep in literature. I'm sure you will find a different person inside you . I don't know how to explain it but Persian literature specially poems are really a 100 percent different experience . No translation can express them

[@ampiciline]

I am an Iranian - American who migrated to US back in 1992 .... I did learn 5 new English words form his presentation : 1) Dour ( 0:22) 2) Cuckolded ( 3: 37) 3)Canonical (5:28) 4) hoodlums ( 8:37) 5) Despotism ( 12:23) ........I truly love English language and after living so many years in US , I am still very thirsty to improve my English skills ....thank you Dr Milliani ( OSTAD )

[@zongora123]

Thank you for this enlightening, surprising presentation of an extraordinary history: the bewitching heritage of Persia. I like a lot the paradox aspects explained in smartly contextualised history.

[@SaraSara-nz2xw]

لذت بردم از این سخنرانی واقعا سپاسگزارم به عنوان یک ایرانی از شما شما در کمتر از ۲۰ دقیقه تلاش کردی ایران رو بشناسونید به مخاطب خارجی و چقدر نکته سنج بودید و چه زیبا از این موقعیت استفاده کردید باعث افتخارید

[@MikePouraryan]

A fabulous talk.....A thank you is all I can extend to this eminent and ever so eloquent scholar....and I hope it is enough.

[@TheInfinityTravel]

I love you talk and the Persian’s culture. 🙏

[@tekahukokayelash8884]

Loved his presentation, beautiful speaker.

[@hamidford7415]

Wow! Excellent presentation. Thank you.

[@mahyahasheminamin3706]

This was one of the most comprehensive descriptions I've ever heard of Iran, very accurate, based on facts and deep investigation of its historical and cultural journey, My deepest appriceations

[@naderaraki]

Dr. Milani Thank you for this wonderful lecture

[@Stayhungryshow]

It is my dream to visit Iran.. growing up in Mumbai I had friends and classmates who were Parsis (Zoroastrians from Persia who migrated to India and became a very small but powerful community). We know of fire temples, Ahura Mazda and Navroz is a public holiday in this city. I also admire that Iran was able to retain its language and ancient culture even as it embraced Islam, and created a new form of practicing the religion. We in India have a lot of affection for Iran and its people - you are completely misunderstood by the West. I greatly admire the women who are leading the struggle and hope you become a free society, very very soon.

[@sreejithss5859]

Iranian films are one of the best films in the world At present a lot of Indians who love Iranian films

[@maziarpakdaman4448]

And many Iranian Love India and Indian Film, We have same ROOT!

[@sreejithss5859]

@@maziarpakdaman4448 yes brother

[@dariushgorgin9629]

Dr. Abbas Milani is my hero. 💖

[@atabehnamian1548]

You are amazing . We are proud of you , 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 sincerely Dr.Milani

[@m.hajibandeh6876]

Excellent talk Dr. Milani, you are a humble, sincere and genuine man.

[@lizamaral7745]

We will make Iran great again🇮🇷💕🇮🇷☘️🇮🇷☘️

[@imaanilm]

Liza Maral In Shaa Allah

[@nooshingoharimehr7993]

We need Trump :p

[@CHRIST24-7]

@@imaanilm with out Allah Iran it would be a great country . For 40 years Iran facing hardship its just because of Islam

[@flaglesspirate5250]

Very well spoken. Great references of historical points and current issues.

[@amiramir-bh5dk]

Thanks a lot Mr. Milani for your clarification which will stop stereotyping.

[@mehraeenmavaddat-mottahedi2431]

Great talk👏👏👍👍thank you Dr. Milani 🌹🌷👏👏bravo 🌺🌹❤️💐👏🙏🏾🌷

[@danijelakelava6602]

This is an important video about the knowledge of Iran.

[@SM-vc5zr]

Awesome presentation! It was magnificent, remarkable and so accurate. Thank you very much Dr.Milani, we are proud of you.

[@KountryKonnect]

Very beautiful talk.. thank you for sharing..

[@Ishkaboobool]

SEPAS Mr. Milani From Shahrezad to Now a Day Women in Iran.. we have proved that no wild horses can put these strong women on their knees.

[@Nick-zp7hk]

Dorooooooood faravan be shoma aghaye Milani aziz man be onvaan yek irani sare taazim be shama daram ...👍👍👍

[@alireza2974]

سپاس فراوان از دکتر میلانی

[@joelmalone7922]

I really like and appreciate Mr. Milani. For those of us who hope for a better future there, and I'm an American of Irish, German, and Italian descent, Abbas is a breath of fresh air in these uncertain times.

[@marziehhad5398]

Thank you mr Milani. We really enjoyed it. My son at college shared this with me.

[@samanchitsazian9698]

Awesome speech, simple & elegant.

[@smarsh6340]

I’m so proud to share identity and language with you 🥹 Dr. Milani is magnificent period!!

[@jvm-tv]

Good speech, but should've been backed with some visual presentation.

[@havasalimi4612]

Thank you Mr. Milani.

[@ashleymelodi1]

Lovely and very interesting. Thank you.

[@roshnigokhale6741]

Thanks for an amazing talk.

[@Charlesmagne800]

Thank you Milani for your comprehensive talk on Iran

[@faezehalavi1392]

Thank u Mr.milani....Thank you..........

[@vidaafsharian5005]

Amazing speech and fascinating information. God save such great and learned,openminded Iranian scolars.

[@lovesallweneed]

Well done. Bravo. Salamati, dorood bar shoma.

[@nawalmridulya4255]

He did not talk about massive Persian influence all the way from India to Turkey.

[@omidjohnmasoomy1267]

As an archaeologist who not live in Iran I enjoyed a lot of your speech I’ve already read some of your books, and I’m studying on Silk Road, and my second research which I’m working on this subject; Western jealousy on Iran; facts and rumors , and I need your help . Thank you

[@jeffsamiei]

Well said, and very thoughtful.Abas Milani is a true trailblazer among Iranian scholars.

[@siamakatashi2032]

Many thanks to Professor Milani for this short but very fruitful speech, which may appear to be a condensed overview of Iran's great history, but it is not easy to express at all. The importance of expressing these types of issues to non-Iranian audiences is perhaps understood by those who have been in contact with foreign nationals for some reason. It is said that the population of Iranians living abroad is estimated to be between six and eight million people, but despite the existence of this large population, it was and is a fact that foreigners' knowledge of Iran is unfortunately neither complete nor correct. For example, in 1979 and simultaneously with the occurance of Islamic revolution in Iran I myself remember, although I was a school student at that time , there were many Americans who thought that Iran and Persia were two different countries, or even some of them thought that Iran was the name of a village in a certain American state, or they often thought that the people of Iran are Arabs and we in Iran still live in deserts and under tents and travel with camels ! Although this mentality was wrong and somewhat humiliating, it was not necessarily hostile, but without a doubt, after the Islamic revolution in Iran and the rise of the Ayatollahs, it became much worse, and very negative and hostile aspects were added to it until today, when for more than four decades, there has been a continuous, round-the-clock and comprehensive effort to add to the ugliness of this image of Iran and to present a specific face of Iran to the world, which in many cases is miles away from reality. This issue is not only important for the common people of non-Iranian societies to know Iran, but it is also very important because this biased portrayal of Iran has led to the formation of often incorrect mentalities about Iran among statesmen and politicians with little knowledge and it has become popular throughout the world, especially in western countries. In short, holding these kinds of lectures and clarifications in simple and understandable language for the general public of non-Iranian societies is extremely important in my view. I hope the vast number of Iranians abroad, who fortunately are among the most literate and credible diaspora in the world, can find a large number of professional speakers similar to Professor Milani, who can hold these kinds of meetings and tell these truths on Iran, a very important and full of surprises country that the more accurate and deeper this understanding of Iran is, the better it will be for the benefit of the country and its future generations. Siamak Atashi Shiraz , Iran November 6 , 2022

[@missellli]

fantastic talk:) Thank you Abbas Milani

[@AliMostofi]

Mr Milani, Herodotus and the Bible are not the only sources of information on ancient Persia. Please consult Xenophon and Zend-Avesta. Persia's contribution to science and mathenatics such as the invention of zero is the most important contribution. And finally Mr Milani has not mentioned that Iran was where Human Beings first settled, became agricultural and domesticated animals 20,000 years ago, after they migrated out of Africa and later went to Europe and East Asia as shown by Haplogroup studies.

[@aryarasouli2794]

Dr. Millani Never said those are the only sources of information on ancient Persia. He said those are the two influential sources that formed the western perception about ancient Iran. Please watch again.

[@aryarasouli2794]

May be so, but doesn't change the fact that western view of Persian history is very much influenced by Herodotus.

[@ebparsa]

no but you are forgetting that his audience is a western audience and he is trying to show the influences of Persia on their psyche. Concepts that are parts of the belief system and they don't even know that they are Persian in origin. Nowhere did he claim that the mentioned sources are the only sources of ancient Persia. That would be ludicrous.

[@bk12373]

I think you are wrong about the invention of zero.

[@fahimehmahani6740]

Thanks for the clarification, all of the points were indeed eye-opening. No doubt history is the most important thing for a country and hopefully, everybody can understand the real culture of Iran out of the imposed government.

[@teddayer6523]

Jewish ARE Iran and we love them

[@hossghashami1310]

Bravery is in Persians blood . Is in our history. No one can force us anything. We have survived 5400 years we will till dawn of the world. Most of thanks Sir for the truth

[@MrChickenstalker]

Hossein Ghashamy so why did the Arabs enslave you guys ? Lmao

[@hegie1980]

OMG keep rocking mannnnnnnnnnnnnnn

[@norbertdubois8255]

H’osh halem, merci. Yá Bahá’u’l-Abhá.

[@MrVache20]

Nobody could say it better, thanks.

[@manoomissaghi1174]

Mr. Reza Golestani needs to educate himself to learn and respect factual history. What Dr. Milani has outlined is not his inventions or his personal opinion, rather they are historical facts that is well known in circles of Persian history and culture - mostly in Western Universities and cultural centers- and he has just elegantly presented a very small piece of those. Once one gets to know what is really in store, then he/she would appreciate the great contributions Iranians have made to human culture in the course its evolution, as he/she hopefully would appreciate and respect all other contributors as well.