EPISTEMIC EXPLORATION OF WISDOM SCIENCE AND PSYCHOSPIRITUAL CRTICISM IN THE NOVEL MEARASA PINTAR BODOH SAJA TIDAK PUNYA BY RUSDI MATHARI

Abstract

Abstract. Intellectual superiority illusions in religiosity and social life are the main critique in this study, which is particularly relevant in the modern era when outward appearances are often prioritized over inner sincerity. The analysis of the novel Merasa Pintar Bodoh Saja Tak Punya by Rusdi Mathari aims to uncover the symbols of Islamic dialogue that represent the psychosocial process of individuals facing social challenges such as morals, worship, and Islamic values. Using Charles Sanders Peirce's semiotic approach and qualitative methods through reading, observing, and noting, five wisdom narratives were found, addressing sincerity, moral introspection, the balance of vertical-horizontal relationships, as well as critiques of intellectual arrogance and formalistic rituals. This novel offers profound reflection, encouraging readers to internalize religious values substantively and positioning literature as a catalyst for change towards more meaningful and responsible spirituality.

Abstrak. Ilusi superioritas intelektual dalam keberagamaan dan kehidupan sosial menjadi kritik utama dalam penelitian ini, yang relevan di era modern ketika citra lahiriyah sering kali diutamakan daripada kejujuran batiniyah. Analisis terhadap novel Merasa Pintar Bodoh Saja Tak Punya karya Rusdi Mathari bertujuan mengungkap simbol-simbol dialog keislaman yang merepresentasikan proses psikospiritual individu dalam menghadapi tantangan sosial, seperti akhlak, ibadah, dan nilai-nilai islamik. Dengan pendekatan semiotika Charles Sanders Peirce melalui metode kualitatif melalui baca, simak, dan catat, ditemukan lima narasi hikmah terkait keikhlasan, introspeksi moral, keseimbangan hubungan vertikal-horizontal, serta kritik terhadap arogansi intelektual dan ritual formalistik. Novel ini menawarkan refleksi mendalam, sehingga mendorong pembaca menginternalisasi nilai religius secara substansial dan menjadikan sastra sebagai katalisator perubahan menuju spiritualitas yang lebih bermakna dan bertanggung jawab.