Economics for Everyone: A Review Session with Sadegh Al-Hosseini
On the evening of Thursday, November 27, 2025 (Azar 6, 1404), Ahvaz BookCity hosted a vibrant critique and discussion session centered on the book “The First Push” (Hol-e Aval). The event, attended by a large number of enthusiasts, featured Dr. Sadegh Al-Hosseini (the author) and Dr. Abdolmajid Ahangari. Together, they dissected the book’s core themes, fielded questions, and engaged in a scientific critique of investing within the Iranian economic context. The evening concluded with a book signing ceremony.
The event opened with Dr. Al-Hosseini using the metaphor of “learning to ride a bicycle with a first push,” which serves as the central idea of the book. He clarified the book’s promise:
“This work does not promise overnight riches. Instead, it strives to save the reader from years of trial and error and costly mistakes by explaining fundamental principles in a clear and actionable way.”
The author outlined the book’s framework, which helps individuals identify their position in the “Financial Pyramid” (ranging from financial security to financial independence) and move to higher levels using four main wheels: Savings, Cost Reduction, Income Increase, and Investment.
He noted a striking comparative statistic: “With a net worth of one million dollars, an individual ranks in the top 1% of the world—a reality often different from public perception.”
Al-Hosseini identified three main obstacles to successful investing: The Government, Emotions, and Middlemen/Brokers. To navigate these, he proposed a practical solution involving three distinct portfolios:
Emphasizing a “Passive Investment” logic, he warned against short-term trading, noting that it is risky even for professionals: “Warren Buffett did not get rich by day trading.”
Dr. Abdolmajid Ahangari, Professor of Economics at Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, praised the book’s clarity and educational value but raised two critical points: the book’s potential oversight of the complexities of Iran’s macro-economy and political shocks, and the oversimplification of financial concepts in a volatile market. Al-Hosseini responded that the book aims to provide a practical roadmap for the general public to avoid unnecessary risks.
Regarding the outlook for Iran’s economy, the author viewed the current crisis as a “necessary condition for a change of course.” He outlined four “sufficient conditions” for improvement: increasing public awareness of structural rent-seeking, having a defensible economic plan, forming a capable executive team, and ensuring governance alignment at the moment of decision.
This event highlights the pivotal role Ahvaz BookCity plays in the social and cultural landscape of Khuzestan. Far from being a mere retail space, Ahvaz BookCity has established itself as a dynamic Community Hub.
Through its regular programming, Ahvaz BookCity is committed to:
By transforming the book-buying experience into a participatory cultural event, Ahvaz BookCity continues to strengthen the social fabric of the region.
Tags: Ahvaz BookCity
