Quatrain 102 from Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam

Analysis of the Rubai

This quatrain by Omar Khayyam offers a philosophical perspective on life, encouraging us to let go of our worries and embrace the present moment.

The futility of worry: The poet advises against worrying about the world and its troubles, suggesting that such worries are ultimately pointless.
The impermanence of things: The idea of the impermanence of life and the world is emphasized, with the poet noting that what has passed is gone forever and what has not yet come into being will never be.
The call for happiness: The final line encourages the reader to find joy and happiness in the present moment, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

Deeper Meanings and Interpretations

Stoicism: The poem echoes Stoic philosophy, which emphasizes accepting what is beyond our control and focusing on what we can change.
Carpe diem: The idea of seizing the day and enjoying the present moment is a central theme in the rubai.
The futility of human striving: The poem suggests that many of our worries and desires are ultimately pointless in the face of the vastness of time and the inevitability of death.

In essence, this rubai is a call to live in the moment and find peace and contentment.