Transcend Yourself, Do Not Exceed Your Bounds (Kendini Aş Haddini Aşma) is a book of essays compiled from Mustafa Kutlu’s newspaper articles, which addresses contemporary social issues from a Sufi perspective. Published by Dergâh Publications in 2025, it offers the reader a perspective that advocates for a simple lifestyle based on a "contentment economy."
Subject and Content
The book draws attention to the problems brought on by a consumer-oriented industrial society. In this context, Kutlu emphasizes the importance of a simple life, a moral order, and intention. Departing from the principle that "actions are judged by their intentions," he argues that individual will and small but determined steps can contribute to social transformation.
Themes
- Economy of Contentment: The search for inner wealth and social balance is explained in conjunction with a minimalist lifestyle.
- Intention and Will: The spiritual reflections of the transformation of small intentions into actions are addressed.
- Critique of Consumer Society: Admonitions against industrial consumerism are offered.
- Awakening Against Stimuli: A call is made to be vigilant against the "nightmares" of life.
Narration and Style
Kutlu's language contains both a gentle Sufi discourse and social analysis. Experience and moral counsel are presented in a simple and fluid style. The text aims to both touch on daily life and foster spiritual awareness.
