Reason and Stillness in Governance

Reason and Stillness in Governance is a book written by Ali Larijani, an Iranian politician. This work falls under philosophical-political literature and focuses on examining the concepts and principles governing the overall policies of ruling governments. The author emphasizes the role of reason in the decision-making mechanisms within political systems. Most discussions in the book elaborate on policies implemented in Iran and critically analyze the structural governance methods in the country. Larijani argues that governance in Iran is not based on a coherent philosophical foundation, neither from the perspective of government structure nor in terms of relations among other civil institutions and their responsibilities in national progress. The author also discusses the inefficiency of the constitution, pointing out that it faces issues in both its philosophical basis and clarity for the nation and the government. Within the book, Larijani offers solutions for improving management systems while promoting wise and sustainable governance under various conditions. He stresses the importance of reason and logical thinking in managerial and political decision-making and reminds that successful governance requires precise analysis and evaluation of issues. Additionally, Larijani critiques the constitution’s emphasis on social justice, noting its ambiguous meaning and unclear role in national development. He further criticizes the absence of a social justice index in the World Bank’s governance indicators as a major weakness. The author references prominent Western philosophers and thinkers as well as Persian wisdom and literature to illustrate his theories.