Kalima Reading Club explores Pierre’s ‘Towards Happy Frugality’

The session was moderated by Rawda Al-Mansour from the Centre’s Specialised Libraries Department, alongside Gaith Al-Hosani from Sharjah Public Libraries. Participants explored the themes of the book, which combines autobiography, philosophy, and ecological thought. They also reviewed Rabhi’s life, born in 1938 in a Saharan oasis and recognised as a pioneer of ecological agriculture, author of nearly twenty works, and a multiple nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Book themes and diverse viewpoints

The discussion examined the book’s title and its four main sections, beginning with Seeds of Rebellion, which includes three chapters: Elegy, Illusion, and The Decline of the Agrarian World. Other parts include Is Modernity a Deception? and Frugality: The Wisdom of Ancestors. Members agreed that the language is accessible and ideas clearly presented, though opinions varied on the principles Rabhi advocates. They highlighted that the author’s meaning of “frugality” is positive, reshaping common assumptions.

Participants also debated Rabhi’s critique of modernity, which he argues has stripped agriculture of its beauty and reduced it to a purely consumerist process. The discussion extended to concepts such as compulsive hoarding, emotional attachment to objects, greed, preservation, and memory.

The session reflected the strong collaboration between Sharjah Public Libraries and the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, both committed to fostering reading and supporting cultural engagement across the UAE.

The Kalima Reading Club, established in 2019 under the Kalima translation project, encourages community engagement with literature, hosting regular reading and discussion sessions across schools, universities, government entities, and major cultural events.