Little Kourosh, continuing with inspiration from modern knowledge and ancient wisdom, divided the sciences into three main categories so that each could be developed in a specialized manner and serve the progress of the empire. This categorization not only helped to organize knowledge but also paved the way for the practical application of the sciences in various aspects of life. He had come to believe that knowledge is only valuable when it can improve people's lives, strengthen the foundations of a stable civilization, and pave the way for unprecedented prosperity. This was the philosophy of "The Light of Knowledge" that Kourosh had in mind and sought to realize.
In the section of "Theoretical and Experimental Sciences," Kourosh delved into discovering the secrets of existence and the laws of nature; sciences that formed the basis of industrial and technological innovations. He knew that without a deep understanding of the material world, no sustainable progress was possible. Therefore, he considered "Alchemy" (Secret-seeking) for the study of elements and compounds, with the aim of improving metal smelting methods and creating more resistant alloys for tools and weapons, producing medicines and antidotes, and discovering new materials for various uses. "Physics" (Cosmology) dealt with the study of motion, forces, and energy, which had direct application in engineering and the construction of advanced tools such as levers, pulleys, and simple machines to increase efficiency. "Astronomy" (Star-gazing) was vital for studying the movement of stars and planets, improving the agricultural calendar and the precise timing of planting and harvesting, as well as for maritime and land navigation over long routes. Finally, he considered "Mathematics" (Persian Numbers) as the foundation of all these sciences, with wide application in commercial accounting, structural engineering, and economic and urban planning, which increased precision and efficiency in all aspects of governance and industry.
"Human and Social Sciences" was another section to which Kourosh gave great importance, as it dealt with nurturing the human spirit, the structure of society, and the principles of just governance. He knew that a stable government required an informed populace and wise leaders. In this section, "Literature" (Eloquence) was taught to cultivate the art of writing, poetry, and the preservation of Persian epics to strengthen cultural identity and transmit values from one generation to another. "Philosophy" (Wisdom-seeking) dealt with the study of existence, ethics, and logic to train intellectual leaders, just politicians, and thoughtful citizens. "Politics" (Governance) taught the principles of administering society, diplomacy, and resource management to cultivate efficient and responsible managers and rulers. "Commerce" dealt with the study of economics, market management, and trade diplomacy to facilitate economic prosperity and the creation of friendly relations with other nations. "Judicial Sciences" (Justice-seeking) also ensured the formulation and implementation of just laws, with an emphasis on human rights and equality, and "New Persian Language" as the backbone of communication and culture was taught in a specialized manner to become a tool for national unity and solidarity.
"Applied and Military Sciences" focused on the practical application of knowledge in improving daily life and strengthening the empire's power. Kourosh wanted knowledge to lead directly to the welfare and security of the people. In this section, "Agriculture and Animal Husbandry" taught modern methods for increasing food production and environmental sustainability, including water management (qanats and dams), crop rotation, and scientific fertilization to ensure food security. "Medicine" (Persian Health) dealt with the prevention and treatment of diseases, with a focus on public health, medicinal plants, and the establishment of primary hospitals to create a healthier society and a stronger workforce. "Naval Force" (Sea-faring) taught shipbuilding engineering, advanced navigation, and naval warfare tactics to expand trade and protect the empire's maritime borders. "Land Force" (Army-rearing) was responsible for teaching military tactics, war engineering (such as building fortifications and bridges), and the principles of command to create a powerful and disciplined army. Also, "Persian Architecture" for designing cities, palaces, and enduring buildings, inspired by Persian aesthetics and modern engineering principles, and "Water Engineering" for managing qanats and irrigation systems, with the aim of optimizing water consumption and increasing agricultural productivity in the arid Iranian plateau, were included in this category.
Alongside all these sciences, Kourosh viewed "Art" not just as an ornament, but as a reflection of the soul of a civilization and a powerful tool for transmitting culture, values, and national identity. Art held a high position in his empire and was manifested in all aspects of life, from the royal palaces to the homes of ordinary people. He dreamed of cities that, with magnificent Persian architecture, would be a symbol of greatness, beauty, and order. Magnificent palaces, huge gates, and public buildings with tall columns and beautiful reliefs were not only governmental centers but also unparalleled works of art. He thought of designing Persian gardens with precise geometry and water features, as well as orderly urban planning with wide streets and an advanced sewage system to improve urban life and spread beauty in every corner of the empire.
"Sculpture and Carving" were also at the service of expressing the power, glory, and values of the empire. Stone reliefs in palaces narrated the stories of conquests, court ceremonies, and daily life. Statues of deities and heroes were symbols of national beliefs and myths. Kourosh gave artists the freedom to create works that were both aesthetically magnificent and conveyed deep cultural messages, inspired by ancient traditions and new insights. "Painting and Miniature" also depicted epic scenes, religious ceremonies, and courtly life in palaces and temples. Miniature painting, as a delicate and precise art, was used to decorate important books and texts. Kourosh gave artists in this field the freedom to create works that were both visually stunning and beautifully narrated national and religious stories, nourishing the soul of the nation.
With the invention of the New Persian script, "Calligraphy" was regarded as a high art. The beauty of the script was itself a part of the beauty of the text. Scribes and artists, using fine pens and high-quality inks, wrote sacred, literary, and governmental texts with a beautiful and artistic script. This art not only helped to spread literacy but also aided in the preservation and transmission of culture, giving it a visual identity. "Music and Literature" also held a special place; music, with traditional instruments and new melodies, was played at festivals, religious ceremonies, and courtly gatherings. Literature, including poetry, storytelling, and epic recitation, served to nurture the soul and express emotions. Kourosh gave poets and musicians the freedom to create works that would nourish the soul of the nation, give it identity, and make the name of Persia resonate in the world, inspired by the rich Iranian culture.
In "The Light of Knowledge," Kourosh emphasized the inseparable link between the sciences and arts with government and industry. He wanted scientific findings to be quickly applied in various sectors of society and for art to serve in expressing the glory of the empire. To realize this link, Kourosh had the idea of creating a "Council of Science, Industry, and Art," where scientists, industrialists, artists, and government officials would come together to define joint projects. This council would turn scientific findings into practical technologies and prevent the waste of resources. For example, designing advanced plows or improving spinning methods with the help of physics and alchemy would increase productivity in agriculture and industry and improve people's lives.
To preserve and transmit knowledge and art, Kourosh thought of establishing large libraries and art centers in the cities. These libraries and art centers would not only house Persian works but also scientific and cultural texts from lands like Egypt, India, and Greece. He also had a plan to translate these texts into the Persian language so that knowledge would be accessible to all the people of the empire. These libraries, as centers of intellectual and cultural exchange, would bring together scholars and artists from all over the world and turn Iran into the cradle of science, wisdom, and culture. With every line Kourosh wrote in "The Light of Knowledge," he envisioned a future in which Iran shone with the light of wisdom, innovation, and artistic glory. He wanted Arash and his companions to establish these schools and academies after his return and to train generations of scientists, engineers, industrialists, and artists who would bring Persian civilization to its peak. This book was not only the scientific and artistic roadmap of the empire but also a manifesto for improving humanity's life through knowledge, art, and cooperation.