The Book of the Rubaiyat

The Book of the Rubaiyat is a poetic collection attributed to Omar Khayyam, a Persian mathematician and astronomer from the 11th century. It consists of quatrains—four-line verses—exploring themes like the fleeting nature of life, the importance of enjoying the present, and questioning religious and philosophical beliefs. Widely translated and popularized by poet Edward FitzGerald in the 19th century, it offers reflections on mortality, fate, and the pursuit of happiness, combining philosophical insight with lyrical beauty. The work remains influential for its contemplative approach to life's transient moments and the mysteries of existence.