“Destructive Beliefs” Under the Microscope: A Critical Discussion at Mashhad Shahnameh BookCity

In a thought-provoking session titled “Stone from the Wall of Belief,” held at Mashhad Shahnameh BookCity on Saturday, January 6, 2024, philosopher Mostafa Malekian delved into the book “Destructive Beliefs” by Parisa Goodarzi and Mohsen Shabani. The event, co-organized by the Institute of Life Wisdom and Nekman Institute, wasn’t just a book discussion—it was a call to action, showcasing BookCity’s commitment to fostering critical thinking and challenging the status quo.

Malekian dissected the book’s core message: how seemingly harmless beliefs can silently steer individuals toward mental and practical limitations. The book, blending philosophical and psychological analyses, uncovers the roots of these beliefs and offers strategies to confront and dismantle them. This aligns perfectly with BookCity’s mission to empower individuals by equipping them with the tools to recognize and overcome mental barriers, fostering personal growth and informed decision-making.

Malekian emphasized the destructive role of limiting beliefs in stifling personal and societal progress. He argued that many traditional and institutionalized beliefs act as barriers to critical thinking and positive change. These beliefs, often operating beneath our awareness, influence our decisions and choices, shaping our lives in ways we don’t even realize.

But here’s the kicker: awareness alone isn’t enough. Malekian stressed that changing a belief requires more than just recognizing its flaws. It demands continuous education, mental exercise, and a reevaluation of individual and societal frameworks. This is where BookCity steps in—not just as a venue for discussion, but as a catalyst for intellectual and cultural transformation.

The event wasn’t a one-way lecture; it was a dynamic dialogue, embodying BookCity’s role in building intellectual communities. Attendees engaged with Malekian, asking questions like:

How can we identify unproductive beliefs?

What are the alternatives to critical thinking?

What practical steps can we take to shift misguided perspectives?

Malekian responded with actionable insights, highlighting the importance of rational approaches and mental purification to break free from limiting beliefs. This interactive exchange underscored BookCity’s ability to create spaces where thinkers, readers, and curious minds come together to exchange ideas and perspectives.

Why This Matters:
BookCity isn’t just a bookstore or a venue—it’s a movement. By addressing topics like destructive beliefs, it tackles the invisible forces that hold individuals and societies back. Through events like Stone from the Wall of Belief, BookCity is actively cultivating a culture of awareness, critical thinking, and intellectual empowerment.

This is more than a discussion—it’s a step toward freeing minds and building a more thoughtful, enlightened society.

Embedded Commentary on BookCity’s Role:

Fostering Critical Thinking: By hosting events like this, BookCity challenges minds and encourages people to question the status quo.

Building Intellectual Communities: The event created a space for dialogue, bringing together thinkers, readers, and curious minds to exchange ideas and perspectives.

Empowering Individuals: Through discussions on books like Destructive Beliefs, BookCity equips individuals with the tools to recognize and overcome mental barriers, fostering personal growth and informed decision-making.

Cultural Elevation: This event is part of BookCity’s broader mission to introduce and analyze significant works in philosophy, humanities, and thought, elevating the intellectual discourse in society.