Gulistan by Saadi
"Gulistan" is a classic of Persian literature composed in 1258, consisting of stories and personal anecdotes interspersed with poetry. The work is divided into eight chapters covering topics such as the manners of kings, the morals of dervishes, the benefits of contentment, and the art of conversation. Each chapter uses a mix of humorous and didactic stories to illustrate the virtues of justice, love, humility, and the follies of human ego. The book not only provides moral guidance but also offers a vivid portrait of medieval Persian society, capturing the intricacies of human behavior and the complexities of life through elegant prose and poetic wisdom.