Quatrain 93 from Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam

Analysis of the Rubai

This quatrain by Omar Khayyam is a profound meditation on the nature of knowledge and the limits of human understanding.

Lifelong pursuit of knowledge: The first line emphasizes the poet's lifelong dedication to learning and seeking knowledge.
The vastness of the unknown: The second line suggests that despite his extensive learning, there are still many mysteries of the universe that remain unsolved.
The futility of seeking absolute knowledge: The final two lines express the idea that after a lifetime of contemplation, the poet has come to realize that ultimate knowledge is unattainable.

Deeper Meanings and Interpretations

The limits of human understanding: This rubai highlights the limitations of human knowledge and the vastness of the unknown.
The paradox of knowledge: The more one learns, the more one realizes how little they know.
The value of the journey: The poem suggests that the pursuit of knowledge is valuable in itself, even if ultimate answers are elusive.

In essence, this rubai offers a humble and realistic view of human knowledge, emphasizing the importance of continuing to seek understanding while acknowledging the limits of our comprehension.