The Secret of Longevity
(طولة العمر)
The Lebanese story : Book No. 7
Author : Chukri El-Khoury
Study and Presentation : Dr. Salim Khalil Kahwaji
Year : 2015
ISBN: 978-9953-562-90-2
Based on a title chosen to inspire longevity, Chukri El-Khoury deals with several aspects of the Lebanese people, whether residing in Lebanon or abroad, and general humanitarian issues related to religion, politics, socio-economics and health.
It may not be obvious that these issues are relevant to the title, but the author made them the core of his book because they represent reasons for a long or short life, at the forefront of which is the issue of religion. He also talked about national unity while expressing his own political points of view, highlighting that the rise of a nation cannot be achieved unless there is equality among all its citizens and among all elements that represent the Ottoman Empire. He criticizes religion-based political parties, and warns the Christians not to rely on the West since it cares only about its material interests. He also takes issue with the kind of independence safeguarded by nations in the Mutasarrifiyya regime, which lacks self-sufficiency and freedom of expression.
As for health-related matters, the author explains them scientifically according to the prevailing knowledge at that time, since he believes in the progress of medicine and refuses popular methods in treating some diseases; he also calls for the life of nature and instinct.