Idries Shah was a writer, thinker, and cultural bridge-builder whose work has had a profound influence on the understanding of human psychology, traditional wisdom, and the role of storytelling in shaping civilization.

Born into a family with deep roots in both Eastern and Western traditions, Shah dedicated his life to making the insights of essential Sufism accessible to the modern world – free from exoticism, dogma, or sectarian boundaries.

At the heart of Shah’s legacy lies a remarkable body of work – over three dozen books that have been translated into many languages and read by millions worldwide. His writings cover a vast range: from psychology, philosophy, and cultural commentary, to collections of Eastern teaching-stories and humour.

These stories, drawn from ancient traditions yet strikingly relevant today, serve as tools for inner development, encouraging reflection, flexibility of thought, and a deeper understanding of oneself and others.

Perhaps his most enduring contribution is the revitalization and reintroduction of the teaching-story – narratives designed not merely to entertain, but to educate in the broadest and most profound sense.

Found across cultures but particularly refined in the Sufi tradition, such tales operate on many levels at once. They bypass habitual thinking patterns and speak directly to parts of the human mind that ordinary learning cannot reach. In doing so, they serve as a powerful catalyst for insight, growth, and transformation.

Shah’s work represents a unique strand within the humanities: one that views culture not simply as the sum of its artifacts or customs, but as a living system of transmission – designed to help human beings flourish. His bestselling books remain vital resources for anyone interested in the human condition, in how wisdom is passed on, and in how ancient knowledge can illuminate the challenges of modern life.

In a time of accelerated change and growing social friction, Shah’s vision – of learning that is rooted in real experience, and of stories as instruments as a psychological remedy – are more necessary than ever.

Idries Shah (1924-1996)