Quatrain 148 from Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam

Analysis of the Rubai

This quatrain by Omar Khayyam is a celebration of life and the pursuit of pleasure.

The Importance of Joy: The poet emphasizes the value of happiness and the futility of dwelling on sorrow.
Carpe Diem: The phrase "وقت خوش خود بسنگ محنت سودن" (to waste precious time on the stone of hardship) is a call to seize the day and enjoy life's pleasures.
The Uncertainty of the Future: The poet acknowledges the unpredictability of life and the futility of worrying about what may come.
The Pleasures of Life: Wine, love, and peace are presented as essential components of a fulfilling life.

Deeper Meanings and Interpretations

The Ephemeral Nature of Life: The poem emphasizes the brevity of life and the importance of enjoying every moment.
The Pursuit of Happiness: The poet suggests that happiness is the ultimate goal in life and should be actively pursued.
A Critique of Asceticism: The poem challenges the ascetic ideal, which emphasizes self-denial and renunciation of worldly pleasures.

In essence, this rubai is a celebration of life and a call to embrace pleasure and happiness.