Zoroaster the Enlightenment Maker

Rasoul Sorkhabi, PhD and professor at the University of Utah, will uncover the enigmatic, influential figure sometimes called the First Philosopher. Zoroaster was a prophet in ancient Iran who lived more than 3,000 years ago. He was popularized in modern literature through Nietzsche’s masterpiece Thus Spoke Zarathustra. Nevertheless, Zoroaster is a little-known individual and the followers of his religion comprise a small minority, numbering only 100,000 to 200,000 people today, who mostly live in India and Iran, and some in Western countries. A number of outstanding artists, scholars, and businessmen have come from Zoroastrian (Parsi) families. Freddie Mercury of the rock band Queen was one of them. Historically speaking, Zoroaster was a pioneer who initiated the First Enlightenment three millennia ago with his teachings on monotheism, ethics, human freedom and responsibility, rationality in the universe and human life, and the idea of progress. This talk is based on Sorkhabi’s own roots, life experiences, and studies in Iran and India. He will present Zoroaster in a new light and discusses the prophet’s historical influence on philosophy and religion.

[@motherearth1147]

Ahura Mazda, the foundation of all religions!

[@alinajafi4644]

Great interview indeed... Mr. Bill Donahue on Yt has a few nice lectures on the Zoraaster and his legacy on the foundation and traditions of religions specially Christianity.

[@NA-yk8ic]

Welldone

[@olasylvia1]

This is great ! Thank you so much for this interview, very timely topic. I think the time is coming for expanding our understanding of the forces we have been calling various names , as we learn more about our common roots back in time. Check out Persian Astrology channel, same scholarship as here and lots of brilliant insight too.

[@S.J.L]

...Indo Europeans also includes Celts, Germanic, Slavic and Scythian people, among others. They got around due to pioneering use of the horse and wheel.

[@umarwyne]

Zoraster was before Abraham or after him?

[@rennickdoost6858]

Before , way before

[@nomesa7374]

Some legend says he was the Noah!

[@charlesb5333]

You need to get a better microphone

[@amirhussein5966]

Cyrus the Great was the father of our Nation Iran. Zardosht was our spiritual leader and will always be, even those who were forcefully converted to the cult of islam , they still see Zarshosht as our Spiritual Head one day they will awaken and go back to the old faith

[@stevenv6463]

They converted willingly

[@amirhussein5966]

@@stevenv6463 Oh really, you do not know the truth or your history, study history a bit and you will see your idea of people converting willingly is at best an ignorant statement or your biggest lie, islam is a lie, mohammad ( piss be upon him) was a liar, he was sexual predator, raped women had sex slaves raided caravans, stealing the booty, killing the men and taking women and children as sex slaves.

[@stevenv6463]

@@amirhussein5966 Bring proof that the Persians were forcibly converted.

[@ArcanumArcanorum17]

@@stevenv6463 Everyone converted because it was easier to live that way, go read the 1slamic rules on dhimmis etc.

[@stevenv6463]

@@ArcanumArcanorum17 Wow great sources. Originally after the conquests taxes were kept the same on the populations the Muslims began to govern and over time Muslims were taxed the same amount as non Muslims as war became less important and less soldiers were taken and more money was needed.