Teachings on The Education of Mentality by Eastern Thinkers, National Heroes and Jadids

Abstract

Intellectual and moral education has long been central to pedagogical systems across civilizations, particularly in Eastern traditions where spiritual, ethical, and intellectual development are deeply interconnected. In Uzbekistan, the teachings of prominent Eastern thinkers, national heroes, and Jadids have significantly shaped the intellectual formation of the youth. These figures emphasized the holistic development of the individual—spiritually, morally, and mentally—through education. Although these teachings are recognized historically, their comprehensive pedagogical methodologies and practical applications in modern intellectual education have not been thoroughly analyzed within a unified framework. This article aims to investigate and systematize the educational views of key figures such as Abu Ali ibn Sina, Pahlavon Mahmud, and Mahmudkhoja Behbudiy, focusing on their contributions to the development of intellectual and moral thought among youth. The study reveals that these thinkers emphasized core principles such as self-knowledge, moral discipline, group learning, experiential engagement, and national service. Their methods included early habituation, emotional engagement in learning, and integration of spiritual ideals with practical skills. The article provides a rare synthesis of pedagogical insights from historical sources such as the Avesta, Ibn Sina’s treatises, Sufi literature, and Jadid reformist texts, showing how these diverse perspectives converge into a coherent model of intellectual upbringing. These teachings offer enduring value for contemporary education, particularly in shaping character, critical thinking, and civic responsibility. Their integration into educational practice can contribute to the cultivation of well-rounded individuals committed to both personal and societal development.