Quatrain 66 from Rubaiyat of Saadi Shirazi

Analysis of the Quatrain:

This quatrain by Saadi Shirazi offers a wise perspective on dealing with criticism and slander. Let's break down each line:

Line 1: هر چند که عیبم از قفا می‌گویند

"Though they speak ill of me behind my back,"
This line acknowledges the reality of gossip and slander. People often speak negatively about others, especially when they are not present.

Line 2: دشنام و دروغ و ناسزا می‌گویند

"Slander, lies, and insults they attack."
This line emphasizes the severity of the criticism, highlighting the use of harmful language.

Line 3: نتوان به حدیث دشمن از دوست برید

"One cannot sever the tale of foe from friend,"
This line suggests that it's difficult to completely separate the opinions of enemies from those of friends. Sometimes, even our friends may be influenced by negative gossip.

Line 4: دانی چه؟ رها کنیم تا می‌گویند

"You know what? Let them say, and we'll transcend."
The final line offers a wise solution. The speaker suggests that it's best to simply ignore the negative comments and rise above them.

Overall, the quatrain encourages a mindset of resilience and indifference towards criticism. It suggests that by letting go of the need for approval and focusing on one's own path, one can find inner peace and avoid being consumed by negative energy.

Key themes explored in this quatrain include:

The inevitability of criticism: Everyone experiences negative feedback at some point in their lives.
The importance of inner peace: True happiness comes from within and cannot be affected by external opinions.
The futility of trying to control others: It is impossible to silence every critic.

This quatrain offers a practical and philosophical approach to dealing with adversity and maintaining a positive outlook.