Quatrain 90 from Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam
Omar Khayyam proposed a radical yet simple solution to conflict: a universal embrace of happiness and joy. He symbolized this ideal with wine, a metaphor for the elixir of life's pleasures. If individuals and societies prioritized seeking fulfillment and living life to its fullest, as Khayyam encouraged, perhaps the frequency of quarrels and wars would diminish. Those inclined towards conflict are often driven by anger and hatred, a dangerous combination that can lead to reckless disregard for human life.
In quatrain 90 Omar Khayyam says:
می خور که ز دل کثرت و قلت ببرد
و اندیشه هفتاد و دو ملت ببرد
پرهیز مکن ز کیمیایی که از او
یک جرعه خوری هزار علت ببرد
Drink wine, for it will take away from the heart both excess and deficiency,
And it will dispel the thoughts of seventy-two nations.
Do not abstain from this elixir, for one sip of it
Will take away a thousand worries.
Omar Khayyam, the renowned Persian poet, philosopher, and astronomer, offers profound insights into life, love, and the human condition through his quatrains, or rubaiyat. One such gem is Quatrain 90, which speaks volumes about the human condition and its potential for harmony.
At its core, Khayyam's poetry often celebrates the simple pleasures of life, particularly wine, which he uses as a metaphor for joy, happiness, and liberation. In Quatrain 90, he goes a step further, suggesting that wine, or rather the pursuit of happiness, can be a potent antidote to conflict and division.
He posits a world where people prioritize joy and fulfillment over religious dogma and nationalistic fervor. A world where differences are celebrated rather than feared. In Khayyam's view, the root of countless conflicts lies in our obsession with power, greed, and hatred, emotions antithetical to the spirit of joy and contentment.
The quatrain itself is a beautiful piece of poetry, rich in imagery and symbolism. The "seventy-two nations" mentioned in the second line is a poetic reference to the vast diversity of human cultures and beliefs. Khayyam suggests that wine, as a symbol of unity and transcendence, can bridge these divides.
The final lines of the quatrain emphasize the transformative power of joy. A single "sip" of this "elixir" can dispel a "thousand worries." It is a powerful message about the healing and restorative nature of happiness.
Khayyam's words continue to resonate centuries later. In a world plagued by conflict and division, his call for a life centered on joy and harmony is as relevant as ever. Perhaps, if we were to embrace his philosophy, we could move closer to a world where peace and understanding prevail.
What are your thoughts on Omar Khayyam's philosophy? Do you believe that a focus on happiness can contribute to a more peaceful world?
